Cowboy Reyes: The Gatekeeper of the 1920s Golden Age of Philippine Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 20 Mar 2025
Francisco “Cowboy” Reyes was a fighter who stood at the crossroads of opportunity. Back in the early 1920s and 1930s, if a boxer wanted to prove himself in the Philippines and earn a ticket to fight in America, he had to go through Reyes first. He was the ultimate gatekeeper, the measuring stick for greatness in an era when Filipino boxing was finding its identity.
With 87 recorded professional fights, including battles against some of the best in his time, Reyes was a fine product of the Olympic Club and the Olympic Stadium. He was a warrior who fought the toughest names, and he came close to making it big in the U.S., only to be undone by something no opponent could counter— homesickness.
The Making of a Gatekeeper
Born Francisco Reyes on March 10, 1883, in Binondo, the man who would become known as ‘Cowboy’ began his professional career on November 8, 1913, at the Trozo Sporting Club in Tondo, Manila. A late bloomer at 30 years old, he fought through the early golden age of Philippine boxing, building a reputation as a fearless competitor across various sporting clubs, including La Loma, Santa Ana, Tondo, and Palomar Pavilion.
From 1923 to 1927, he found his greatest success in Singapore, his home away from home, winning most of his matches there before retiring. Despite competing as a flyweight, he stood tall at 5-foot-6, boasting a sizable reach and swift footwork.
Reyes wasn’t a champion, but he was the test— the proving ground for young, hungry fighters looking to rise in the ranks. His unassuming record belies the ring wars he took part in:
• 87 bouts
• 38 wins
• 23 losses
• 22 draws
• Flyweight to Featherweight divisions
He battled Filipino greats like Pancho Villa, Elino Flores, and Pete Sarmiento, constantly standing in the way of those seeking greater glory.
The U.S. Experiment and One Homesick Heart
By 1920, Filipino fighters were making waves internationally, and Reyes was given his chance. At the ripe age of 36, he boarded the Fushimi Maru on March 1, 1920 and quietly arrived in San Francisco March 27 accompanied by his manager Joe Waterman with plans to take on America’s best.
The El Paso Herald (August 3, 1920) later reported:
“Francisco (Cowboy) Reyes, champion bantamweight of the Philippines, has landed in San Francisco. Waterman thinks his boy can beat many of the American bantams and also hold his own with Pete Herman.”
It was a golden opportunity. But before Reyes could even get acclimated, homesickness struck like a knockout punch.
On July 30, 1920 at the Dreamland Rink in San Francisco he had his first fight on American soil against Johnny Ortega, which ended in a four-round draw. Despite not being in top form, he impressed the crowd and had another fight lined up. But then, the unexpected happened.
According to the El Paso Herald (September 3, 1920):
“Reyes informed his manager that he was too homesick to fight; that he wanted to return to Manila and see his wife— only 10,000 miles away. There was no talking him out of his determination to go home, so Joseph packed him on an army transport for the Philippines.”
Reyes tried to redeem himself with a return to the Bay Area on May 12, 1922, only to fight to another four-round draw against Harry Wallace. Different circumstances, the same venue— Dreamland Rink— and the same swift return trip to the Philippines.
Just like that, his American dream was over.
Source: Photo of Francisco Reyes is from his United States passport (arrival date March 27, 1920, San Francisco, CA— Public Domain)
A Fighter Who Fought Everyone
Back home, Reyes resumed his career, taking on anyone and everyone. He fought mainly in the Philippines, even Singapore, and Australia, testing himself against top-tier competition. His opponents included:
• Pancho Villa – The future world champion defeated Reyes in a 15-round decision at Olympic Stadium in 1921.
• Elino Flores – A fierce rivalry, with Reyes losing by TKO in 1921.
• Pete Sarmiento – A fighter who, like Reyes, had seen action in America. Their 1921 bout ended in a draw.
• Big Cortez – A longtime rival whom Reyes fought multiple times, with mixed results.
• Young Santos, Battling Key, and Taiho, Mike Ballerino, Syd Keenan– Just a few of the many tough men Reyes faced in the ring.
Even though he never became a world champion, Reyes was an essential part of Philippine boxing’s growth. Fighters who beat him proved they were ready for the next level. Those who lost knew they had work to do.
The Legacy of a Gatekeeper
Francisco “Cowboy” Reyes wasn’t the best fighter of his era, but he was one of the most important. He represented the dividing line between contenders and pretenders.
His legacy is a testament to the fighters who stand in the middle— not as champions, but as warriors who ensure only the best rise to the top.
Reyes could have made a name for himself in America. But in the end, home called louder than fame. His story remains a reminder that sometimes, the fight outside the ring is just as important as the one inside it.
Sources and recommended reading:
• Photo of Francisco Reyes is from his United States Passport, Dated March 30, 1920
• Top Photo of Francisco Reyes is a cabinet card from the collection of the Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame (Circa 1920, Public Domain)
• Boxing Record of Cowboy Reyes: https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/50632
• Boxing Record of Cowboy Reyes:https://boxerlist.com/en/boxer/cowboy-reyes/41666
All photos and references in this article are properly attributed and comply with the U.S. Fair Use Doctrine
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
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