By: Jim Amato

He was a world class featherweight in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. He twice fought for a piece of the world title. He was from my hometown of Cleveland. His name was Frankie Crawford.

Frankie grew up in the East 65th, St.Clair area of Cleveland. Tough area then. Tough area now. Crawford grew up learning to defend himself. He learned well. He won the 1965 Cleveland Golden Gloves. He was told for a small boxer to make money, he needed to go to California. Frankie heeded that advice. He turned pro in LA in 1965. He became an immediate crowd pleaser and draw for West Coast promoters.

On October 5, 1967 Frankie met the once beaten “Golden Boy”, the teenage whiz kid Mando Ramos. Mando walked out with his second career loss. Four months later the prodigy Ramos avenged the decision. Nevertheless Crawford had earned a ton of respect. Frankie’s career took a major hit in 1968 when he was stopped in eight by the talented Dwight Hawkins. Frankie would bounce back.

On July 5th 1970 Frankie would get a shot at the WBA Featherweight title against Shozo Saijo in Japan. Crawford lost a close majority decision. He would meet Saijo again eight months later but this time Saijo won a conclusive decision. Later that year Crawford lost decisions to former world champ Vincente Saldivar and top lightweight contender Ruben Navarro. Frankie had now entered the downside if his fine career.
He would be taken out in one round by the hard punching Ben Villaflor. He dropped a decision to Hugo Barraza and then was halted in two by Ray Lunny III. The slide contiued in to 1973 as Frankie dropped verdicts to Bobby Chacon and Eder Jofre. It all ended in 1976 when Crawford lost in seven rounds to Jose Luis Ramirez.

In all “Irish” Frankie Crawford had 61 pro fights. His record was 38-18-5. It is a very decieving record based on the quality of his opposition. Crawford was a true and deserving contender. His record speaks for itself.