Frank Cedeño: From a Losing Debut to the WBC Flyweight Crown
Frank Cedeño (Franklin Sedenio) was born on March 16, 1958, in Talisay City, Cebu. His professional career began in 1976 with an eight-round points loss to Ray de los Santos; three months later, they drew a rematch. Cedeño went on to win the Philippine flyweight title and build a record of 43 wins, 10 losses and 3 draws, with 23 knockouts. PhilBoxing’s career retrospective and the Cleto Reyes boxer profile document his career.
His breakthrough came on September 27, 1983, at Wembley in London. Cedeño stopped reigning WBC flyweight champion Charlie Magri in the sixth round, earning the WBC crown and the lineal championship. He scored three knockdowns before the referee stopped the bout. PhilBoxing’s account details the finish.
Boxing career and major results
Cedeño’s first defense came on January 18, 1984, against Koji Kobayashi at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. Kobayashi stopped him in round two to take the WBC title. Cedeño had been ahead on the scorecards before the stoppage, according to PhilBoxing; a contemporaneous United Press International report also records the second-round stoppage and title change.
He continued boxing after losing the belt, winning ten consecutive bouts before challenging Gilberto Román for the WBC super flyweight title. Román won their 1987 contest by unanimous decision. Cedeño retired in 1988 with a final record of 43-10-3. PhilBoxing and Cyber Boxing Zone list his championship career and record.
Sources
Career records and reporting: boxrec.com.
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
