Remembering Boxer Mark “King Cobra” Fernandez

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By Daniel Sisneros

Denver Colorado’s Mark “King Cobra” Fernandez opened his pro career Feb. 10, 1982 at the Silver Slipper Casino in Las Vegas, NV with a 4 round draw against Puerto Rico’s unbeaten Juan Veloz (2-0).

The slick boxing Fernandez built a nice record of 14-0-1, 6 ko’s before heading out to the Forum in Inglewood, CA to be tested against another up and coming prospect – San Diego’s Ernie “Silky” Johnson (14-2, 8 ko). It was Johnson’s night as he won a solid unanimous decision victory over Fernandez, handing Mark his first defeat.

Fernandez had proven his self worthy, he remained at a high level of competition and in his next fight took on ranked contender and two time World Title Challenger from the Phillipines – Rod Sequenen (44-10-3, 28 ko). The bout was held in Honolulu, Hawaii and Fernandez won a razor thin unanimous decision on scores of 96-94, and 96-95 x 2. It was a big win for “The King Cobra”. It seems that Mark enjoyed fighting in Paradise, and he won two more bouts in Hawaii after that to run his record to 17-1-1, 7 by ko.

He was ranked and getting noticed. He got the call he’d been hoping for, a shot at the IBF Jr. Lightweight World Title. But, he’d have to travel to Australia to challenge Champion Barry Michael (46-8-3, 14 ko) for that title. It was not to be his night as the Champion stopped Fernandez in round 4.

Mark Fernandez returned to Denver and put together a 3 fight win streak, and would get to feel a

title belt around his waist as he won the Colorado State Jr. Lightweight Title with a hard earned, but clear cut 15 round unanimous decision over highly regarded Arnel Arrozal (23-24-3, 6 ko).

From that point on, his career was like the stock market, a series of ups and downs against mixed opposition and much of it on the road. He took on some outstanding boxers during that stretch including: Mauricio Aceves, Oscar Bejines, Marino Ramirez – twice, Ray Menefee, Dingaan Thobela (in South Africa), Steve Boyle (in England), and Jesse James Leija (in Texas).

After the Leija fight Fernandez put together a 5 fight string of wins which propelled him up into the rankings and earning him a shot at undefeated NABF Lightweight Champion – Stevie Johnston (17-0, 12 ko) in an all Colorado Title showdown held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Denver. After 12 rounds it was Johnston retaining his title on a unanimous decision.

He was still highly regarded, and got a title shot in his next bout, traveling to Sydney Australia to fight another undefeated Champion – Justin Roswell (17-0, 11 ko) for the WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight Title on the undercard of Kostya Tszyu/Corey Johnson. Fernandez was stopped at 2:59 of round 10.

Fernandez went 1-4 after the Roswell fight, but was facing high level opponents, and was well respected for his slick boxing skills. He earned a final title fight but once again would have to travel and face another unbeaten contender in knockout artist – Alfonso Sanchez (15-0, 14 ko) for the vacant IBA Intercontinental Jr. Welterweight Title. Sanchez was too much for the 37 year old Fernandez, and scored a 2nd round knockout.

Mark Fernandez would fight on for a few more years. He tangled with some of the biggest names in the game including: Sandro Casamonica, Greg Haugen, Chad Broussard, “Irish” Micky Ward, Virgil McClendon, Vernon Forrest, and Juan Lazcano, quite a list of champions to end his career.

Mark’s last pro bout came on April 14, 2000 in Denver as he ended with a showdown against another Colorado favorite – Bobby Brewer. The bout went the full 6 rounds and Fernandez boxed his way to a unanimous decision win. A great way to finish a boxing career that spanned nearly two decades, and took him all over the world.

After 58 professional bouts, Fernandez finished with a final record of: 34 wins, 23 defeats, 1 draw and won 14 by knockout.

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