Former middleweight contender of ‘60s Ferd Hernandez dies at 57

Friday, July 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Ferd Hernandez, who record-ed a decision victory over an aging but legendary Sugar Ray Robinson and later was a longtime Nevada boxing referee and popular local bartender, has died in Omaha, Neb. He was 57.

Hernandez died Wednesday of an undisclosed illness. No funeral is planned. A memorial service for the 33-year Las Vegas resident, will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Sonny's Saloon.

Hernandez fought as a middleweight from 1961-68, recording 33 wins in a 46-fight career.

He lost decisions to such pugilistic greats as world junior middleweight champion Denny Moyer, world middleweight champion Nino Benvenuti and world welterweight champion Jose Gonzalez when those men no longer wore the crowns.

On July 12, 1965, in Las Vegas, Hernandez, at the peak of his career, scored a 10-round decision over former world welterweight and middleweight champ Robinson, who was well on the downside of his storied career.

At one time, Hernandez held the Nevada middleweight title. His brother, Art Hernandez, at whose home Ferd died, also was a noted middleweight pro boxer.

In 1966, Hernandez got his shot at a world middleweight title, fighting Jose Gonzalez to a draw. Two years later, a detached retina forced his retirement from fighting.

Hernandez became a boxing referee in 1970, and continued in that capacity for 15 years. He was a bartender for the last quarter century.

It was not uncommon to see Hernandez refereeing on a major fight card one day, working a club show at the old Silver Slipper the next night and mixing drinks at a favorite watering hole on yet another evening that same week.

Born in Nebraska, Hernandez won a national Golden Gloves title in 1960 and turned pro a year later.

After his ring career, Hernandez enjoyed a brief stint in show business, appearing in a burlesque review at a Strip resort and on the road.