dishwasher and busboy when he decided to launch a comeback as a light heavyweight. Fernandez shocked the boxing world by scoring upset knockouts over Florida Middleweight Champion Jimmy Williams and highly regarded Jerry Evans. However, just when it seemed that Fernandez was on the verge of a title shot against light heavyweight king Bob Foster, Fernandez was stopped in the 10th round of a toe-to-toe slugfest with upstart Vernon McIntosh in 1972. Retirement In the early 1980s, Fernandez briefly coached amateur boxers at the Elizabeth Virrick Gym in Coconut Grove, Florida Honors In 2003, Fernandez made the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. Death Fernandez died January 28, 2013, in Miami, Florida, after suffering a heart attack. References Ring Magazine, October 1961, pages 5–6-7: FULLMER ASKS FOR DOWNES-PENDER WINNER, by Al Buck. External links 1936 births 2013 deaths Middleweight boxers Cuban male boxers