Orville Buchner (born January 17, 1936) is an American retired professional boxer who competed in the welterweight division during the early 1960s. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, Buchner was known for his technical skill and determination in the ring, balancing his athletic pursuits with a full-time job in hospitality.
Early life and amateur career Buchner was born in La Crosse, where he began boxing in local Golden Gloves tournaments.La Crosse Tribune, "Golden Gloves Finalists Named," March 1955. He later served in the United States Army, gaining further experience as an amateur fighter.Army Times, "Midwest Servicemen in Army Boxing," June 1957. After his military service, he attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, majoring in economics.University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Yearbook, 1959 Edition.
Professional career Buchner moved to Miami Beach, Florida, to pursue professional boxing. He made his debut on August 7, 1961, fighting Dave Gaitor to a four-round draw at the Sir John Club in Miami.BoxRec Event ID 188076 A month later, he knocked out Gaitor in the second round.BoxRec Bout ID 189252
After a draw with Hilton Lumpkin, Buchner earned four consecutive victories. His first professional loss came by decision to Ray Lavarro on April 19, 1962, at the Little River Auditorium.The Miami News, "Lavarro Tops Buchner in Decision," April 20, 1962. He later avenged his earlier draw against Lumpkin with a fifth-round TKO on August 23, 1962.The Miami News, "Buchner Wins by TKO in Fifth," August 24, 1962.
One of Buchner's most notable bouts came on October 4, 1962, when he held veteran Duane Simpson to a draw, surprising many in the local boxing community.South Florida Boxing Monthly, "Fighter of the Week: Orville Buchner," October 1962.
Style and personal life Though not a heavy puncher, Buchner was respected for his footwork, endurance, and tactical skill. Throughout his boxing career, he worked as a hotel auditor in Miami Beach to support himself.Miami Herald, "Fighters Working Second Jobs to Stay Afloat," December 1962.
His unofficial professional record stands at 11 wins, 4 losses, and 4 draws.BoxRec: Orville Buchner
Professional boxing record
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Age Location Notes21Loss12–4–5Buddy CooperPTS6Sep 196327Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.20Win12–3–5Jim HenryKO2Aug 196327Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.Henry's pro debut19Win11–3–5Hilton LumpkinKO2Aug 196327Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.18Draw10–3–5Willie ThomasPTS6Jul 196327Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.17Win10–3–4Willie ThomasTKO3May 196327Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.16Loss9–3–4Cassius FordPTS6Dec 196226Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.15Draw9–2–4Cassius FordPTS6Nov 196226Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.14Win9–2–3Harry BellefonteTKO2Nov 196226Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.13Win8–2–3Harry BellefonteKO2Oct 196226Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.12Win7–2–3Jack DanielsKO1Oct 196226Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.11Draw6–2–3Dwaine SimpsonPTS4Oct 196226Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.10Win6–2–2Hilton LumpkinTKO5Aug 196226Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.9Loss5–2–2Moses ShawPTS6May 196226Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.8Loss5–1–2Ray LavarroUD4Apr 196226Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.7Win5–0–2Dave GaitorTKO2Oct 196125Sir John Club, Miami, Florida, U.S.6Win4–0–2Ronnie BridgesKO1Oct 196125Sir John Club, Miami, Florida, U.S.Bridges' pro debut5Win3–0–2Mario VegaKO1Oct 196125Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.4Win2–0–2Jim FlynnKO1Sep 196125Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.Flynn's pro debut3Draw1–0–2Hilton LumpkinPTS4Sep 196125Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.2Win1–0–1Dave GaitorPTS4Sep 196125Little River Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.1Draw0–0–1Dave GaitorPTS4Aug 196125Sir John Club, Miami, Florida, U.S.Professional debut
References