He began life in a rural African-Peruvian community, was a child worker in Chincha, Peru and struggled as a young man in Lima before becoming a professional boxer.
After the loss to the Brazilian Mina won five straight fights before challenging Uruguayan Dogomar Martinez for the South American Light Heavyweight Title in October 1958.
He continued boxing and winning during the 60s in fights against Gregorio "Goyo" Peralta, Freddie Mack, Sugar Boy Nando, Guillermo Dutschmann, Henry Hank, Eddie Cotton all of which he won.
In 1962, after defeating Eddie Cotton by decision in 10 rounds in Lima, he had been ranked the number one contender by the prestigious Ring Magazine.
He was ready for a shot at the Light Heavyweight title held by Harold Johnson but the discovery of a retinal injury acquired in one of his previous fights (allegedly against Cuban Lino Rendon) prevented such challenge from ever taking place.