TAKE THE TEST

THE PACQUIAO VS. MAYWEATHER MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION

Thursday, May 19, 2011

By Manny Caballero
HAGLER SAID I WILL CUT OFF MY PINKY FOR 3 MILLION DOLLARS
Those where Marvelous Marvin Hagler’s (62-3-2, 52KOs) words when Thomas “Hitman”  Hearns (61-5-1, 48KOs) had to postpone there fight because Hearns hurt his pinky. I agree with the man, I would have cut off my pinky too, but for one million. Now this is the question, you have a chance to make history not only in a payday which would have been the biggest for any non-heavyweight bout, and a chance to proof to the world you’re the best, and all he can give is an excuse of why he wont do it. That’s what Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38KOs) did when Floyd Mayweather Jr (41-0, 25KOs) demanded Olympic style drug testing “check for steroids” to fight him. Why?
TEAM PACQUIAO FOUND THE SECRET
The problem that has ever body wondering is that no other fighter has been able to carry there punch when moving up in weight. For example the great Roberto” Hands of Stone” Duran (103-16, 70KOs) Anything he touched at 135lb would go down, at 147lbs not the same power. Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez (44-3-1, 42KOs) killer hands, KO everything at 122 lb at 126lb had to use heart to win because didn’t have same power. Alexis Arguello (77-8, 62KOs) power at 130 but at 140 not the same. Felix “Tito” Trinidad (42-3, 35KOs) murderous punch at 147lb at 160 no power. I can sit here and mention names all night, I think you all catch my drift. Manny Pacquiao has been going up in weight and his power and speed grows the same, it just makes you wonder or maybe team Pacquiao found the fountain of youth or they got the secret bodybuilders have been looking for years to find.
INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
Two years ago we got Antonio “Margacheato” Margarito putting plaster in his wraps, with how advanced things are now and still a boxer can put plaster? Why is it so hard to believe a boxer is doping? There’s been other boxers who have been caught using steroids, if I didn’t have nothing to hide I would have taken the test just to prove people wrong. I said it two years ago and I still say it today Floyd Mayweather beats Manny Pacquiao, he’ll box circles around Manny, is that what Manny is worried about or does he got something to hide? With all the rumors going on if I was Pacquiao I would want to prove not only to the unbeliever but to the sport , that “he’s clean” and clear any doubt of wrong doing.

INVASION BORICUA

PUERTO RICO LOOKS FOR NEXT BOXING HERO!

By Manny Caballero 

KEEPING THE PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE TRADITION ALIVE

Caguas P.R. The last two months have been hard for Puerto Rico in the world of boxing; it’s been on a losing streak to their archrival Mexico, losing three champions to them. Also two future stars came short trying to become title holders. What hurts the Puerto Rican community the most was losing those three champions which left them with a lone champion Miguel Cotto. Now the hunt is on the island to find the next boxing star. During the weekend of the P.R
parade Felix “Tito” Trinidad (42-3, 35KOs) and Miguel Cotto (36-2,28KOs) used to have a fight, and on its weekend June 10 and 11 ESPN and Showtime will be having Boricua invasion where we will get a chance to see Puerto Rico’s rising stars.

MEXICO TAKES THE LEAD IN RIVALRY

The first to fall was Ivan Calderon (34-2-1, 6KOs) losing a 6 years title reign to Giovanni Segura, Orlando Salido (57-6-2, 43KOs) going to P.R and beating Juan Manuel Lopez (30-1, 27KOs) by TKO in 8 and taking his 126 lb title in the process was a loss the Puerto Rican didn’t take lightly, but the icing on the cake was Jorge Arce mauling Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. like an old pit-bull on a puppy, they didn’t only lose there belts but their undefeated records too, but to make matters worse those three losses came on the hands of Mexico. Cesar Seda Jr (20-1, 15KOs) also came short when he went to Argentina trying to take Omar Andre Narvaez (33-1-2, 19KOs) title losing by UD, Francisco Palacio (20-1, 13KOs) was the other from P.R who lost by SD in Poland to Krypton Wlodarczky (45-2-1, 32KOs).

 TEAM PUERTO RICO

Where there’s rain sun soon follows. The island may have only one champion, but there are a hand full of new boxers ready to become one. One that’s promoted by Cotto promotions that’s next in line for a title shot is Luis “el Artesano” Cruz (18-0, 14KOs) an exciting fighter, great counterpuncher and good boxing skill, should be fighting for Ricky Burn’s (32-2, 8KOs) 130lb title soon. Jonathan “Mantequilla” butter Gonzales (13-0, 13KOs) will be fighting on the June 11 card, a promising prospect promoted by trio Javier Bustello, Gary Shaw, Warriors Boxing but leading their pack is Thomas Dulorme (11-0, 10KOs) all though he wasn’t born in Puerto Rico but consider one of our own, Dulorme has an exciting style and has KO power he has a fight on ESPN on June 10,don’t miss him. Also fighting on ESPN is Kenny Galarza (14-1, 14KOs) he has an extensive amateur career with over 300 fights at age 16 won gold medal and silver at junior Olympic and won silver at pan American games in 2005. Hector Sanchez (19-0, 19KOs) he’s 6 foot two inches tall and fights at 140lbs, tall for that weight class, knows how to use his reach and fight tall, he will fight on Showtime on June 11 a must see. Also fighting that night is Orlando del Valle (12-0, 10KOs) and two other boxers that are still young but very gifted are Amateur champion, gold medal winner in central American and Caribbean games Jose Pedraza (2-0, 2KOs) he fights on June 10 and Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez(2-0, 2KOs).

THE BIBLE OF BOXING WILFRED BENITEZ

WILFRED BENITEZ RETURNS WITH “BORICUA INVASIONS”

May 29th, 2011 By Manny Caballero

Wilfred Benitez

“EL RADAR” & “THE BIBLE OF BOXING” Cayunas, PR- Those were the nicknames given to Wilfred Benitez because of his defensive skills that were some of the best ever exhibited in a boxing ring. Considered one of the best boxers ever, let alone from Puerto Rico, the country is giving him the honor to lead Team P.R., a group of hot prospects that will be fighting in June, and at the same time recognize Wilfred for his boxing accomplishments, which I discuss a little later in this article.
PUERTO RICAN PARADE WEEKEND HAS FIGHTS BOTH NIGHTS
The “Boricua Invasion” boxing events will be held on the weekend of the gigantic Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City on June 10 & 11. The Puerto Rican community and the media as well will be looking for their next group of pugilistic stars. During that celebrated weekend and parade, Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto both made it a habit of fighting that weekend, and that’s what the Island is looking for, who will step up when Miguel, the current WBA 154 lb. titleholder is gone.
WILFRED FINALLY GETTING SOME PROPS!
But what has me happy is seeing Wilfred Benitez leading the team, one of the greatest fighters in the sport, born September 12 1959 in New York, grew up in what you really call a boxing family having had two brothers that were boxers and trained by his dad Gregorio Benitez. Wilfred is best know for being the youngest champion ever in any division at 17, but it doesn’t stop there he also was the youngest fighter to win three titles (140,147,154) at 22 and at 37 became the youngest boxer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
A TIME WHEN CHAMPS WERE REALLY CHAMPS!
Benitez fought in an era they still had 15 round fights. I’ve always felt those three extra rounds were what separated the men from the boys.
One of my favorite fights is Wilfred vs. Bruce Curry, in that fight he showed what he was made of, the heart he displayed in round two, wobbling from post to post and then coming back to win is something to be seen. But the bouts everybody remembers are him losing the 147 title to Ray Leonard that he won beating (UD 15) Carlos Palomino. Another was his fighting off of the ropes and putting on a defensive show that frustrated Roberto Duran, winning another UD 15.
THE HOPE KO WAS ONE YOU’D NEVER FORGET!
His one-punch “picture perfect” knockout of 154 lb. champ Maurice Hope sending him to his wedding with a couple of teeth missing, this was one of the best punches ever thrown in boxing history. He lost the 154 lb. title (SD 15) to Tommy Hearns. Not in good health today, Benitez suffers from the residual effects of professional boxing. Benitez finally retired in 1990 with a record of 53-8-1, 34 KOs.
JUNE 10TH ON ESPN THE “BORICUA INVASION” BEGINS
ESPN 2′s Friday Night Fights will air the first “Boricua Invasion” and we’ll get a chance to see two Puerto Ricans face off as Kenny Galarza (11-0, 10 KOs) goes against the so-so Irvin Garcia (17-6-3, 8 KOs). Also that night, big puncher Thomas Dulorme (11-0, 10 KOs) meets the shopworn DeMarcus Corley (37-13-1, 22 KOs)
SHOWTIME HAS “BORICUA INVASION” PART II THE NEXT NIGHT
On June 11th, on Showime’s Sho Box airs the second invasion that night hot prospect Orlando Del Valle from P.R. will be really tested when he faces Dat Yugen (17-1, 6KOs) of Vietnam. In addition, we will get an opportunity to the 6’2, 140 lb. Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez (19-1, 9 KOs) vs. Vincent Arroyo (11-1, 7KOs) in what appears to be an exciting fight on paper. Appearing on the same card will be Jonathan “Mantequilla” Gonzalez (13-0, 13KOs).
Manny Caballero

COMMENTS

1. I DONT BELEIVE WILFREDOS PROBLEMS CAME FROM HIS
   PROFESSINAL BOXING CAREER I THINK MORE THAN LIKELY THEY CAME
   FROM HIS ALL OUT WARS SPARRING IN THE GYM WITH THE GREAT ESTEBAN DEJESUS
   WHEN HE WAS ONLY 12 YEARS OLD HIS DAD HAD HIM BOXING DEJESUS EVERY DAY
   LEADING UP TO THE ROBERTO DURAN FIGHT IN GIL CLANCYS 28TH STREET GYM IN NYC
   THE WHOLE GYM WOULD STOP TO WATCH THESES SO CALLED SPARRING SESSIONS EVEN THOUGH
   HE HELD HIS OWN HE WAS TOO YOUNG AND HIS BRAIN STILL TOO SOFT TO BE GETTING HIT WITH THE SHOTS HE WAS GETTING HIT WITH
     SNOOPBEE on May 29th, 2011 at 5:36 PM

WHERE ARE THEY

 

 

AMERICAN FIGHT GAME BADLY NEEDS A HEAVYWEIGHT

March 28th, 2011 By Manny Caballero

Joe Louis

BADEST MAN ON THE PLANET USED TO BE A YANK!
Philadelphia, PA- The USA seemingly always had one outstanding heavyweight boxer. If we look back through history, from the first american heavyweight champion and last bare knuckle fighter John L. Sullivan, champion from 1885 to 1892. The last American to hold any belt was the asthmatic Shannon Briggs (51-6-1, 45 KOs) in 2007. In total, we have had 52 different American champions to only 23 boxers from other countries. In the last ten years we have had seven different Americans with heavyweight gold compared to 11 from other countries. That being said, I don’t see anybody remotely capable in the near future! Where in the hell are our heavyweights?
DEMPSEY WAS A LEGENDARY CHAMP THAT WOULDN’T FIGHT BLACK HARRY WILLS!
Almost every American that’s loves boxing or not, knows of great American champions like Jack Dempsey (66-6-11, 51 KOs) also known as “The Manassa Mauler,” Dempsey was champion from 1919 to 1926. Fans liked him because of his aggressive style and punching power. For the record, Jack was the first to fight before a million dollar gate in attendance. Joe Louis, (65-3-1-51 KOs) also known as the “Brown (never say Black in those days) Bomber,” Joe had the longest title run in history going 12 years (1937-1949) with 25 successful “undisputed” title defenses. When he smoked Max Schmeling in their rematch, this helped Joe empower an entire nation during WW II. Next is a man who changed the sport of boxing forever. Next up in my opinion was the man born Cassius Clay who later changed his name to Muhammad Ali (56-3, 37 KOs). Ali would become the first three-time heavyweight champion. He was both loved and hated throughout the world. Next came a man who was full of controversy Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) the youngest heavyweight champion, “Iron Mike” was always captivating.
AMERICAN CHAMPS WERE HEROS TO MANY!
Those men were not only champions, but heros to many and garnered a lot of attention for the sport. They gave us fights to remember. Not only they came out to beat their opponent, but they wanted the knockout. For the last ten years there has not been an American heavyweight who has even come close to being entertaining or dominating the division.
KLITSCHKO BROS. TURN AMERICAN STOMACHS!
Now the belts are held by two Russian born fighters in WBC champ Vitali klitschko (42-2, 39 KOs) and his brother Wladamir Klitschko (55-3, 49 KOs) who has the WBO champion both Ukrainians, and British big mouth David Haye (25-1, 23 KOs) is the WBA titleholder. The Klitschko’s style of fighting is not fan friendly, unless you are from Germany or Russia, thus I feel they are hurting the sport more than helping it. David Haye’s style is far more pleasing, but can he take a heavyweight punch? On the bad side, I don’t see anybody else making noise in the heavyweight division because the nearly unbeatable brothers have huge size advantages over everybody. With the fighting style of the Klitschko’s, NO major boxing network will even air their heavyweight championship figths.
WE NEED TO LOOK UNDER ROCKS!
For the sake of boxing we need to find an American heavyweight champion. Someone who will want to be great and woun’t be afraid to give fans what we want, knockouts! Through the history of boxing we always had great American heavyweight champions and the lack of it is what’s hurting the sport. We cannot let the Klitschko brothers keep doing what there doing with the belts. HBO, Showtime, they both need to scour our boxing gyms for the next great American heavyweight champion. My advice before things get any worse, start looking!
Manny Caballero

BAIROAS GYM

April 13th, 2011 By Manny Caballero

Alexis Arguello-Alferdo Escalera

YOUNG MAN AMONG MANY AT BAIROS GYM

Caguas, Puerto Rico- Bairos Gym or El Gimnasio Bairoa as it is known on the island, has over many years made champions and at the same time kept “high risk” kids off the street. It was not only a place where I met people that had a positive influence in my life, it is where I found both love and passion for the sport of boxing. At the time I was working under the tutelage of Cuban national Julian Delgado.
TRAINER MADE AN EXCEPTION FOR ME
Delgado worked with me, something I considered an honor seeing he only worked with professionals. And to have him acknowledge my amateur status was big to me. Another person that made a lasting impression was the legendary trainer of amateurs and pros alike, the late Jose ”Cheo” Aponte of Caguas. Being my first teacher, Aponte helped so many amateur fighters from our country that they named a boxing tournament and a gym after him. Current champion and boxing hotshot Juan Manuel Lopez (30-0, 27 KOs), “Juan Ma” as he is known currently trains there.
HISTORIC CHAMP WAS PART OF THE MIX
An ex champion that would come by Bairoa’s to workout was Alfredo ”Salsero” Escalera (53-14-3, 31KOs). Delgado had helped ready him get ready for his KO of Kuniaki Chibata in Japan for the WBC 126 lb. belt. At the time, I only knew of Escalera’s two epic battles with the late Alexis “The Explosive Thin Man“ Arguello (82-8, 65 KOs).
LOSING THE TITLE CAUSED NATIONAL GRIEF
When Escalera lost the featherweight title to Alexis, the country went into mourning. Another loss that hurt us at the gym was when Rafael Solis (30-13-2, 20 KOs) went after Hector “Macho” Camacho’s WBC 130 lb. title and got stopped inside of five rounds.
THIS WAS BACK WHEN HECTOR WAS “TRULY MACHO”
This was when “Macho” was on top of his game and his style was aggressive, this before Edwin Rosario stripped away Camacho’s perceived cloak of invincibility with a left hook in Madison Square Garden. Rafael’s brother Julian Solis (41-13-1, 22 KOs) would also utilize the facilities. The Solis brothers were really from Caimito Gym, but Bairoa’s was their second home. Julian became WBA bantamweight before dropping it to the great Jeff Chandler (33-2, 18 KOs) making “Joltin’ Jeff” the first American in a 30 years to win the 118 lb. title.
FELLOW GYM MEMBERS COUKD FIGHT!
There were many fighters that honed their craft at the gym, under the guidance of Delgado and Cheo. This next group of gym rats I personally met, and were considered locals heroes.
MERCADO WOULD WIN PAN AM GOLD
Alberto Mercado (31-14-1, 27 KOs) was a well-decorated amateur that represented us in the Moscow Olympics of 1980, this after striking gold at the 1979 Pan American Games. He would have 20 pro bouts under Delgado’s supervision, but due in part to boxing politics, Mercado would never got a shot at any title.
DANDY DOMINICAN WAS HONORARY RICAN
Dominican born, but considered a native, Julio Gervacio (32-7-1, 24 KOs) was the super bantamweight (122) champion from 1987 to 1988. As for Juan Carazo (25-9, 19 KOs) we had high hopes for him, but he would lose twice fighting for a 115 lb. belt. These three fighters I watched start off at amateurs, and make the transition to the professional ranks. The beatings that were learning experiences of sorts that I got from this trio, I’ll remember forever.
CAGUAS’ COTTO ON TOP AT 154 LBS.
Julian Delgado passed the training baton to Evangelista Cotto, the uncle of current WBA super welterweight (154) champion Miguel Cotto (36-2, 29 KOs) and his brother Jose (31-3-1, 23 KOs) Cotto. For his part, Miguel became the first local in a long time to be considered a superstar.
GYM STILL SERVING THE COMMUNITY
The Bairoa gym is still making dreams come true and still continues to keep kids of the street. I’m one of the many aspiring pugilists that had learned to fight in this training facility. Not only did this help me develop into a man, it also gave me a chance to meet important people in boxing. At the end of the day, I’m one of the lucky guys that can say that I was taught by the team of Jose ’Cheo”Aponte and Julian Delgado at Bairoa’s gym.
Manny Caballero

MEXICO VS PUERTO RICO

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RIVALRY THAT KEEPS BOXING ALIVE: HISPANICS VS. HISPANICS

April 12th, 2011 By Manny Caballero

Salvador Sanchez

New York, NY- As M.M.A. soars in popularity, and boxing’s heavyweight division not bringing forth any excitement of late, we boxing aficionados could have been in trouble. But thanks to the smaller guys, and a rivalry that’s given us fight fans so many great fights over the years, boxing will never die. People say once the heavyweights are gone boxing is over, maybe there is a little truth to that. What the game can’t afford to lose is a rivalry which is full of both history and die hard fans. This rivalry took on a life of its own in the early in the 1970s and is still going strong.
BOXING HAS BEEN INGRAINED IN THE HISPANIC CULTURE

Wilfredo Gomez

Mexico has produced 110 champions, while Puerto Rico has 61. Both are proud of their champions. Many were or are heroes to them. For a champion to really be appreciated he has to show the fans what he’s made of. Hispanic culture demands their boxers leave there hearts in the ring. The only way out is a decision or on your shield, anything less is a crime. Some recent examples, Nicaragua’s Ricardo Mayorga (29-8-1, 23 KOs) got bombarded by rocks and insults when he lost to Puerto Rican Felix Trinidad (42-3, 35 KOs) because they felt he gave up. After the infamous “No Mas” (no more) it took Roberto Duran (103-16, 70 KOs) a while to be forgiven by his people.
MOST WEAR THEY WEAR THEIR TRADE ON THEIR FACES
A majority of our boxers can be recognize by there nose often flatten or bent, because they would walk through punches to land their own. When they lose, their fellow countrymen mourn with them. But when they win, the celebration goes on for days. One of the biggest P.P.V events was Felix Tito Trinidad vs. Oscar De La Hoya (Mexican-American), Oscar the grouch was despised so bad that Mexico did not consider Oscar one of their own, but that night they adopted him because it was almost a Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle.
PHILIPPINES WANTS IN ON THE RIVALRY TOO!
According to me and my abacus, Mexico has defeated Puerto Rico 25 times in championship bouts while the island country has prevailed on 18 occasions. So when I saw Mexican Giovanni Segura’s (27-1-1, 23 KOs) destruction of Puerto Rico’s Ivan Calderon (34-2-1, 6 KOs), not only did I feel bad for Calderon who came up way short in trying to win his light flyweight (108 lbs) title back in their recent rematch, it just got me more anxious for the next big fights between those two power houses of pugilism. As islander Juan Manuel Lopez (30-0, 27 KOs) gets ready to defend his featherweight title (126) against Mexico’s Orlando Solido (34-11-2-1, 22 KOs) and P.R.’s Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (19-0-1, 16 KOs) does his thing at 122 vs. Jorge Arce (56-6-2, 43 KOs), a fight in which Arce is trying to become the first Mexican to win titles in four weight divisions, another rivalry has been brewing. Thanks to Manny Pacquiao beating up old Mexican legends, the mauling he gave a weight drained Miguel Cotto, and the devastating KO Nonito Donaire put on Fernando Montiel, both Mexican’s and Puerto Rican’s seek to avenge those loses. Vazquez has said he wanted to face Nonito next. Thanks to the boxing Gods for the smaller divisions and these rivalries because if it was up to our big guys, well we’d be in trouble.
TOP FIVE BOUTS OF MEXICO VS. PUERTO RICO
1. Wilfredo Gomez (122) champ TKO 14 Lupe Pintor; Gomez. Considered by many, including HBO judge Harold Lederman, who worked the fight prior to becoming a TV star, it is one of the best fights in boxing history.
2. Julio Cesar Chavez (140) champ UD 12 Hector “No Macho” Camacho; Chavez gave Camacho his first real beating and loss.
3. Jose Luis Ramirez TKO 4 Edwin Rosario (135) champ. Ramirez goes to P.R. and gets dusts then titleholder Rosario.
4. Salvador Sanchez (126) champ TKO 8 Wilfredo Gomez. Pedro Fernandez, who was at the fight called it the most heated rivalry ever between any two countries, let alone Mexico and Puerto Rico.
5. Giovanni Segura TKO 8 Ivan Calderon (WBO 108 lb. title) In their first encounter in 2010, Segura stopped Calderon’s six year run as champion.
Manny Caballero

10 best latino boxers

TEN BEST HISPANIC FIGHTERS IN HISTORY!

April 18th, 2011 By Manny Caballero

Duran In His Prime

Miami, FL- To be called “one of greatest in your sport” is the best compliment you give an athlete. That being said, here are a list of past Hispanic boxers that not only were great, but dominated their weight class and some of there accomplishments in the ring have not yet been equaled. These men were considered heroes, they fought with such pride for their people that most have been immortalized in their homeland. We might not all agree in the order I put forth here, but we can all say this group was beyond great.

1) Panama’s Roberto “Manos De Piedra” Duran (104-16-69 KOs) fought from1967-2001, held titles 135 lbs,147, 154 and 160. His career expanded over three decades. Duran was the first Hispanic to win four titles, considered by some the best lightweight (135) ever. “Hands of Stone” held the title for seven years and defended the title 12 times 11 by K.O, only two men have held it longer Benny Leonard (85-5-1-12, 69 KOs), ,Joe Brown (104-44-13-1, 47 KOs). Biggest moment was UD 15 over the then over unbeaten “Sugar Ray” Leonard (36-3-1, 25 KOs) Low point was probably the “No Mas” second fight with Leonard.
2) Julio Cesar Chavez of Mexico (103-5-2, 86 KOs) was a three division times world champion 130, 135, 140. JC fought for over 20 years and against the some of the best. He unified at 135 & 140 and had a run as champion with a record that still stands 27 title defenses and holds the longest undefeated run with 90 fights. Highlight was the TKO 12 over Meldrick Taylor. Low point was his “quit job” against Frankie Randall.
3) Nicaragua’s Alexis Arguello (77-8, 62 KOs) fought from 1968 to 1995, held titles at 126, 130 & 135. This triple champion was the first man to try and win titles in four weight divisions, coming up short against Aaron Pryor (39-1, 35 KOs) in the famous fight when Panama Lewis said, “Give me the special bottle, the one I mixed.” Ring magazine lists his fight with Alfredo Escalera as #31 of the 100 of most brutal battles ever. Biggest moment, KO 13 of another great in Mexico’s Ruben Olivares (88-13-3, 78 KOs) Low point was his 1995 comeback.
4) Eder Jofre; Brazil (l 72-2-4,50kos) fought 1957-1976. He went undefeated for 53 fight and dominated the bantamweight division from 1961-1965. Only 2 lost were to the same man Fighting Harada both by decision. Biggest fight K.O in 4 to another great Vicente Saldivar (38-3,27kos)
5) Salvador Sanchez of México (41-1-1, 32 KOs) fought from 1975-1982 and held the WBC featherweight 126 lb. title. Because of his untimely death we will never get to know hoe great he would have been. Biggest fight when he destroyed the seemingly unbeatable Wilfredo Gomez via TKO 8. ;
6) Wifredo” Bazooka” Gomez of Puerto Rico (44-3-1,42 KOs) fought 1974-1989. Another triple champion 122, 126 & 130. He KO’d all of his opponents except for two in Juan Laporte (40-17, 22 KOs) and a hotly disputed (robbery) win over Rocky Lockridge (44-9, 36 KOs). He held the 122 lb. title and defended it 17 times all by KO, a record that still stand today. His won his first 32 fights all by KO make it the fourth longest streak of all time. Biggest fight, KO 5 over the great Carlos Zarate (61-4, 58 KOs)
7) Carlos Monzon of Argentina (87-3-9-1,59kos) fought 1963-1977 held the middleweight belt and made 14 successful defenses a record that stood until 2002. He was undefeated in his last 81 fights of his career. Major fight KO’d in 12 Hall of Famer Nino Benvenuti (82-7-1,35 KOs)
8) Manuel Ortiz was Mexican-American (96-28-3-49 KOs) Fought from 1938 to 1955. Considered by many as one of the best bantamweights in history seeing he made 15 successful defenses and was KO’d only once in 127 battles. Biggest fight was a 15 round win over Harold Dade (39-6-9,31 KOs)
9) Puerto Rican Felix “Tito” Trinidad was 41-1, 34 KOs, fought from 1990 to 2002. A three division champion 147, 154, 160, another pick people may not agree with. Has the longest title reign at 147 and defeated the best at the weight. I think at 147 or 154, Tito was unbeatable over past or present fighters. Biggest moment 12 KO of Fernando Vargas (26-5, 22 KOs)
10) Alfonso Teofilo Brown A.K.A “Panama Al” Brown (123-19-11, 58 KOs). Panama fought from 1922 to 1942 and was the bantamweight champion for six years. In June of 1929, Brown became the first Hispanic to hold a world title and was regarded as an international star. Biggest moment was his win in 15 over Pete Sansol (96-6-8, 27 KOs).
I’M SURE THIS LIST UPSET MANY OF YOU!
Who do you think I left out that should be here?
Manny Caballero