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S.T. Gordon: One of the Pioneers of the Cruiserweight Division Remembered

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S.T. Gordon was one of the first champions in the history of the Cruiserweight Division. Born on April 18, 1959, Gordon did not have an amateur career, rather turning pro at the tender age of 17. His first match took place on February 23, 1977. He dropped an 8 round decision to Alvaro “Second Person” Lopez, not to be confused with the more famous Alvaro “Yaqui” Lopez who S.T. would go on to fight later in his career.

Gordon then won 10 of his next 11 fights before facing undefeated Heavyweight prospect Gerry Cooney in March 1978. At 6’5’’, Cooney towered over the 6’0’’ Gordon and outweighed him by 32 lbs. “Gentleman” Gerry was well on his way to a certain stoppage victory before Gordon was disqualified in bizarre fashion in the 4th round. S.T. lost two of his next three bouts including one to Heavyweight trial horse Eddie “The Animal” Lopez in August, 1978.

Gordon was among a group of fighters who were too big to compete at Light Heavyweight, but too small to contend with top Heavyweights of the era. These fighters benefited from the creation of the Cruiserweight Division by the WBC in 1979. Boxing purists scoffed at the time and the division struggles to this day to gain credibility. However, in some respects, the concept made sense given the evolution of bigger and bigger Heavyweights over the years. During the early 80’s, the average Heavyweight contender now weighed around 215 lbs. compared to the days of Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano, where most of the top Heavyweights were less than 200.

Gordon won the NABF Cruiserweight title with a second round knockout victory over Ivy Brown in August. 1980. He followed up winning the USBA Cruiserweight championship with a 5th round knockout over Harry Terrell in February 1981. In July 1981, Gordon squared off against Light Heavyweight contender Yaqui Lopez. This was a stern test for Gordon as Lopez had faced the iron of the Light Heavyweight division in the late 1970’s, including hotly contested title chances against Victor Galindez and Matthew Saad Muhammad. Yaqui came in with a four fight win streak. Gordon passed the test with flying colors stopping Lopez in the 7th round.

His victory over Lopez earned him a title chance against WBC champion Carlos De Leon, one of the better champions in Cruiserweight history. The night of June 27th, 1982 was the high point of Gordon’s career. S.T. landed a thunderous left hook which dropped De Leon in the 2nd round and then trapped a helpless De Leon in the corner, battering him mercilessly until the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. In a shocking upset, S.T. Gordon was now the WBC Cruiserweight champion of the world!

Gordon made his first defense against journeyman Jessie Burnett in February 1983, who earned the opportunity with a decision victory over former Heavyweight champion, Leon Spinks. Gordon was simply too strong and powerful for Burnett, finishing him with a barrage of punches in the 8th round. S.T. scored another outstanding win in May 1983, outworking Heavyweight contender and future WBC Heavyweight champion, Trevor Berbick, on the way to a 10 round unanimous decision. This would be Gordon’s final victory in the ring. He went on to defend against. De Leon two months later in a July 17, 1983 rematch. This time S.T. was badly outclassed, losing by a lopsided 12 round unanimous decision. Gordon retired after the fight only to return to the ring more than four years later. His comeback attempt ended after just. one bout. In October 1987, S.T. was starched by journeyman Dwain Bonds in just. One round. Gordon retired with a record of 24-7, 21 KO’s.

S.T. Gordon was a classic example of a boxing enigma. He was a dangerous opponent for anyone on given night, capable of defeating excellent fighters such as De Leon and Berbick. However, on any given night, S.T. was equally capable of losing to the flotsam and jetsam of his era. This unpredictability made him an interesting and entertaining fighter to watch. S.T. Gordon, thanks for the memories!

 

 

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