The British and World heavyweight scene became clearer on Saturday night with the expected demolition by ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois of grossly overmatched Ricardo Snijders in east London.

The young Londoner was at his calm, effective best by flooring the hapless Dutchman four times from body shots in the uncompleted four minutes of the match. In many ways it served its purpose by allowing him to get back under the lights in a ‘competitive’ contest, but also allowing him to showcase his skills, in this case straight jabs and hooks followed by crunching body shots, to a tuned in BT Sport audience.

Credit to Sneijders for taking the match at short notice but he was simply outweighed (coming in just under two stone lighter) and outgunned from the opening bell.

Of more significance was the end result; Dubois 15-0 (14 KO’s) keeping his high undefeated stoppage record and thus setting up his October 24th date with undefeated Olympian Joe Joyce 11-0 (10 KO’s) in what promises to be domestic fight of the year.

Socially distanced studio interviews with Joe Joyce (via videolink) and an in attendance Tyson ‘Gypsy King’ Fury revealed the admiration of both fighters for the explosive Dubois. In doing so emphasizing the problems he will present to the division. Joyce paid particular attention to the body work and strong jab of Dubois and that he’ll have to be on his game come October. Dubois in return reiterated his confidence and anticipation of the challenge ahead.

Fury was equally complimentary, referring to an ad-hoc sparring session he had with Dubois at the start of his comeback some two years ago, but thought he would be long out of the sport by the time Dubois becomes a genuine contender.

All eyes are now set on that October date at the O2 Arena, London which should be for the British and Commonwealth titles (currently held by Dubois) and also significantly a high world ranking with the WBC and other key sanctioning bodies. Hopefully lockdown will be much eased by then for a match between two undefeated big men that deserves a full house in attendance.

In a lengthy interview with Tyson Fury either side of the main event, the Gypsy King reiterated the tremendous shape he remains in post-Wilder II, and both he and promoter Frank Warren highlighted the intended date for the Wilder trilogy fight as December 19th, with the US the likely destination.

Some fun was also had in weighing up the long term future of the division and the fight we all want to see – Fury v Joshua – potentially the biggest grossing fight in boxing history and certainly involving British boxers, both ‘world’ champions and at their peak.

They challenged the Matchroom team to “grow a pair” and come to table to negotiate the fight that “has to happen”. With the recent defeat of Dillian Whyte the Gypsy King’s mandatory obligations have now been put back and this fight seems more likely, assuming of course, he comes through the Wilder trilogy fight unscathed.

The British heavyweight scene continues to boom on a world level with some mouthwatering fights ahead. Bring on October !

Some excellent contests were held on Saturday’s card with the pick being Sam Maxwell’s unanimous decision win over former European champion Joe Hughes at super-lightweight. There were also good wins for heavyweight David Adeleye, super-flyweight Sunny Edwards in a quality match with former double Olympian Thomas Essomba and, new lightweight prospect Sam Noakes from Maidstone, Kent.

Young heavyweight sensation ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois 14-0 (13 KO’s) returns to the ring after an eight month sabbatical on Saturday night (29th) against Dutchman Ricardo Snijders 18-1 (8 KO’s) at the BT Sport studios in Stratford, East London.

Since his last fight and enforced COVID layoff from paid combat the Londoner has seen domestic and world ranked contemporaries Joe Joyce and Dillian Whyte have mixed fortunes in attempting to secure world title chances. Fellow undefeated ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce who Dubois is slated to meet in the autumn in a much anticipated fight came through last month against Michael Wallisch and Dillian Whyte was sensationally ko’d by Alexander Povetkin last weekend.

The Dubois-Joyce fight is a potential blockbuster with both defending currently undefeated records and both with world title aspirations. Hall of Fame and Queensberry Promoter Frank Warren will be on tenterhooks that Dubois does his end of the bargain to lead into the October 24th match. A potential fight and event of the year.

But first, the young Londoner has to do the business on Saturday against a late substitute opponent after Erik Pfeifer failed to get medical clearance to fight in the UK. The 26 year old Sneijders is a step down on paper but then again Whyte was expected to come through last weekend, albeit against an opponent with a strong amateur and pro pedigree. Dubois will have to be on his guard but his superior power and sheer size and tenacity should be sufficient to see him through well inside the distance.

The Londoner should be chomping at the bit at 22 years old and with 13 KO’s out of 14 contests, the last two being devastating blowouts in winning the Commonwealth heavyweight title and, pre-Christmas devouring a Japanese big man who had a respectable record going in.

Dubois has certainly been talking a good fight this last week with considerable media coverage as the next big British heavyweight. Look for him to deliver another highlight reel KO to add to his ever expanding resume.

The fight and full card will be televised on BT Sport (start time 7pm).

Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin Five things we learned:

1. Why we love the Heavyweights – single punch knockouts have littered the history of the heavyweight division. Think, Rocky Marciano v Jersey Joe Walcott, Ali v Liston II, Weaver v Tate, Tyson v Spinks, Lewis v McCall and Rahman. All highlight reels of the division and in effect the history of boxing. In many cases a fighter has been way ahead and ‘BOOM’ a devastating one punch has detonated on the frontrunners chin and lights out. Saturday was one of those moments, albeit the main title didn’t change hands, but the suddenness and finality of that one left uppercut rendered the fight over for Dillian Whyte.
2. The waiting game can be painful – Over 1000 days the Brit was waiting for his world title shot. Some of it through no fault of his own, but the procrastination of the UKAD and delaying tactics of the WBC, the latter being in essence the ‘politrics’ of boxing. Over that time he’d faced some hardened contenders and many dark hours of self analysis. Then, one step from a world title fight (the WBC having guaranteed he would be next), Alexander Povetkin rips the script up. In boxing, waiting is a dangerous thing. A fighter’s peak has to be maximised when the time is right.
3. Povetkin is back in the fold – they say form is temporary and class permanent. The Russian looked damaged goods in Saudi Arabia last December, narrowly obtaining a draw against Michael Hunter on the Joshua-Ruiz II undercard. For four rounds on Saturday, though game, he’d been dropped twice and looked like there for the taking. Yet, even under severe pressure the former World and Olympic amateur champion found the opportunity to detonate a left uppercut whilst under fire and seal the deal. Alexander Povetkin is back in the heavyweight picture. He may be rapidly approaching 41 years old, but now back in the top ten and, Whyte knows he has to secure and win a rematch to move forward.
4. Matchroom Fight Camp was a success – COVID-19 and lockdown has presented many challenges in the last 5 months. The very existence of boxing as we know it has been threatened. But what originally was considered ‘pie in the sky’ thinking and a folly became a success with the Fight Camp. Good matches (Eggington v Cheeseman being the pick), good coverage by Sky, no contraventions of the hygiene restrictions and to cap it off a heavyweight title fight and result of world significance. Hats off to Matchroom Boxing.
5. Fury – Joshua is a step closer – with the Dillian Whyte WBC mandatory issue now put on the backburner for 2021 at least, there remains only two of three mandatory obligations to be met by the main protagonists. Joshua still has to meet his IBF mandatory contender Kubrat Pulev (new date pending) and possibly Olexandr Usyk for the WBO strap, although the latter is made easier by being allied to the Matchroom camp and the lesser of the four sanctioning titles, so a relinquishing is likely. Fury meanwhile has to successfully come through Deontay Wilder for a third third, contractually self-inflicted. So amidst the dust and bullets the two elite heavyweights are starting to emerge and the Brit-blockbuster looks a little closer. However, that is assuming the ‘BOOM’ is not heard over the next six months and we’re back to square one. In heavyweight boxing that’s a distinct possibility.

On Saturday night (22nd) big time boxing returns at the Matchroom ‘Square Garden’ in Brentwood, Essex.

The last few weeks of ‘Fight Camp’ events have seen the post-COVID return behind closed doors at the venue, with some cracking contests between male and female domestic fighters. However, Saturday sees the first recognised men’s event of world significance. All the better, in the heavyweight division.

Mandatory WBC world heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte from Brixton, south London faces former 2004 Olympic gold medallist Alexander Povetkin in a ‘must win’ fight for both.

The 32 year old Whyte 27-1 (18 KO’s) continues to wait for a title shot after being in the mandatory position for over 1,000 days. Not unique in boxing history, but certainly long overdue. The situation exacerbated by a UK Anti-Doping charge (subsequently dropped) and the trilogy of fights signed by Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. In the lead up to fight night Whyte has been promised by the WBC a crack at the winner of the third fight. Something Whyte has put to the back of his mind.

The near 41 year old Povetkin 35-2-1 (24 KO’s) has seen it all. Representing Russia with distinction in winning multiple amateur European and World championships and finally Olympic gold in Athens. He’s twice failed in world title challenges; to Wladimir Klitschko and more recently Anthony Joshua. In the latter he was well in the fight before succumbing to the Brit’s power in the middle rounds.

Both fighters are coming off nine months of enforced inactivity since unimpressive outings in Saudi Arabia last December. Whyte ‘The Body Snatcher’ came into the ring on the Joshua-Ruiz rematch card after a difficult 2019 and in excess of 20 stone. He struggled but eventually prevailed against teak tough Mariusz Wach. For Saturday’s event he’s shed in excess of 1.5 stone coming in a trim 18st 6lbs (252lbs). Povekin, small by modern heavyweight standards, weighed in at 16 stone (224lbs). This differential and the lower mileage on the clock is likely to benefit the Brit considerably.

Look for Povekin to cause Whyte problems with his movement and superior technique early in the fight but when the ‘Body Snatcher’ plants his feet and the mobility of Povetkin slows down Whyte should register a stoppage between rounds 8 and 12.

The contest is for Whyte’s WBC Interim Heavyweight title and the even lighter regarded WBC Diamond belt. Most importantly; it is for the ‘right to fight’ for the main title currently held by Tyson Fury early next year.

Also on the card is a much awaited female rematch between Ireland’s Olympic hero and multiple ‘world’ champion Katie Taylor 15-0 (6 KO’s) and Delfine Persoon 44-2 (18 KO’s). The first fight in June 2019 in Madison Square Garden was a hotly disputed humdinger of a fight with Taylor winning on the right side of a majority decision. Saturday promises to be equally riveting, with the Irish heroine expected to win another close decision.

The fight is for Taylor’s undisputed status at lightweight (9st 9lbs) with all the available sanctioning belts being held by her.

Both fights and a full supporting undercard are promoted by Matchroom Boxing and are available only on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK or by worldwide stream on DAZN.

Boxing is back ! Friday night’s Queensberry Promotions show broadcast live on BT Sport was a resounding success. The strictest hygiene measures, social distancing and, to cap it all off some great performances and fights.

Top of the bill saw Brad Foster 13-0-2 (5 KO’s) gain a Lonsdale belt outright in defence of his British and Commonwealth super-bantamweight titles. In a highly competitive fight he defeated fellow-Midlander James Beech Jnr 12-1 (2 KO’s) by unanimous decision.

The cards of 116-113, 117-111 and 117-111 only told half the story as Foster had to come through some difficult moments, rallying late in the fight to eventually secure victory. Foster admitted in the post fight interview that he’d been below par and only really got started from the 7th round onwards but his class eventually prevailed as Beech troubled by an early cut over his left eye and receiving some sickening body shots faded in the championship rounds (10 through 12).

The card also saw good performances from rising super-welterweight Hamzah Sheeraz 11-0 (7KO’s) who outgunned Scottish southpaw Paul Kean 12-2 (1 KO) over six rounds and promising heavyweight David Adeleye 2-0 (2 KO’s) who bombed out Matt Gordon 2-3-1 (0) inside two rounds.

The evening started anti-climatically with Portsmouth’s Mark Chamberlain 6-0 (4 KO’s) registering a first round stoppage of Stu Greener. Whilst a resounding victory for Chamberlain it primarily served the purpose of welcoming British boxing back since the enforced lockdown on 17th March. It introduced a new world of referees with face masks, chief seconds being heard yelling at their charges with no crowd in attendance and perspex screens separating British Boxing Board of Control officials from the usual ringside huddle and festivities. But, as a starter for the many live shows planned over the next two months it was the perfect re-introduction.

Congratulations go to the efforts of Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions team, the Board of Control officials, medics and BT Sport for making this happen. Not forgetting the fortitude and dedication of the boxers involved who served up the perfect re-entry of our sport to something like a ‘new normal’.

And so, after 100 plus days of lockdown and no domestic shows since mid-March the boxing business hits the road again on Friday (10th) at the BT Sport studios in Stratford, east London.

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren through his Queensberry Promotions is the first to get back in the saddle and kick start the recovery of the domestic boxing business. This will be followed hot on its heels with a series of Matchroom Boxing shows from their HQ in the gardens of the Hearn residence in Essex.

Over the last quarter gyms have closed, save supporting their local communities by setting up food banks, delivering medical supplies and offering temporary accommodation for the needy. Fighters have retired due to the impact on their earning capacity and ability to support their families, and those still active, have taken to training in parks or at home. For the boxing business it really has been a time of famine, reflection and worry about the times ahead.

Inevitably the show on Friday will be behind closed doors. However it will be ably covered by BT Sport and will perform CPR on the heart of the boxing business – live shows.

So what can we expect ?

Brad Foster 12-0-2 (5KO’s) will be main event as he defends the British and Commonwealth super-bantamweight (8st 10lb) titles against James Beech Jr. 12-0 (2KO’s). In this time of recovery and rekindling interest in the sport this is as competitive a match than can be hoped for. In the short term fans will expect any return of the sport to result in competitive contests, at the very least. This match fits the bill.

The support card is also interesting featuring Hamzah Sheeraz 10-0 (6KO’s) defending his WBO European super-welterweight (11st) crown against Scotland’s Paul Kean 12-1 (1KO), plus prospects Mark Chamberlain and David Adeleye featuring.

Daniel Dubois’ Ukrainian sparring partner Dorin Krasmaru will also make his BT Sport debut in a heavyweight contest. There should be some fireworks on the night to re-ignite the sport from it’s prolonged slumber. All eyes within the various promotional companies will be watching intently on the methods used and success of the evening.

Sit back and enjoy on BT Sport 1 from 7pm Friday.

Is unification a mirage ?

Will we ever see an undisputed world heavyweight champion ? Does it really matter ?

Last week WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury took to social media to announce a deal had been reached for a two fight series with WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua. Should it happen it will likely break all box office records in the sport to date. A unification of the heavyweight championship, certainly in the eyes of the paying public would result. It would be the first time since Lennox Lewis reign in the early millennium that the heavyweight champion was universally accepted. But, despite hyperbole and best intentions, is it really going to happen ?

First, there is the current COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding a resumption of the sport. Time and the diminishing sands are crucial to a fighter’s wellbeing and legacy. It is hoped and claimed that this could happen in 2021, but do we really know if any degree of normality will be back and hold through until then ? Hopefully ‘Yes’ and both combatants are the right end of their 30’s and relatively young for heavyweights. So, tick the timing off as a positive.

Next, do the sanctioning bodies really want to see it ? History and logic would say ‘No’. The ‘alphabet boys’ WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO all exist through the sanctioning fees that fighters and promoters pay for the ‘prestige’ of challenging for one of their titles. Why would they really want one champion, when at best they would fight twice a year and only get sanctioning fees for two bouts, albeit then split between four different organisations. Surely it makes more business sense just to have their own ‘champion’ and market them as the legitimate title holder. Boxing history has compounded fighters to make mandatory defences against their number one contender, regardless of skills, credibility and logic.

Only last week the WBO President Paco Valcarcel on hearing news of the deal being struck said but first Joshua would have to make his mandatory defence against their #1 contender Oleksandr Usyk. The sanctioning bodies might outwardly convey a desire for a unified champion but in reality this is lip service. It’s basically not in their interest. Consider this a cross against unification happening.

Then, linked to the above there is the minefield that awaits both Fury and Joshua before they are in a position to eyeball each other across the ring. Again the alphabet boys drive this but these are the facts; unless the combatants camps can get their respective contractural obligations to take ‘step aside’ money, which collectively could exceed £50M, then Fury has to navigate a third Deontay Wilder fight and Joshua has to defeat IBF #1 contender Kubrat Pulev, and according to the WBO President then beat Usyk. And what of Dillian Whyte’s long awaited WBC mandatory rights to fight for the title ? He too has a legitimate and overdue right to fight Fury or Wilder. This in itself extends any eventual unification to the second half of 2021 (minimum).

This on face value is a cross against any unification fight happening, certainly if you look over boxing history. Heavyweights are an unpredictable breed. One punch from the best laid plans disappearing into the ether – ask Lennox Lewis for one.

Then we have the logistics involved in putting on two fights of this magnitude. Credit to messrs Hearn, Arum and Warren for promoting the desire and dream to have an undisputed heavyweight champion and them being the only ones with the wherewithal and experience to make it happen, but in the current climate where is it going to be, when and for how much ? All unknown entities at press time and the social and morale implications of finding a host will be heavily scrutinised before the deal is done.

So, to my final question … does it really matter ? Yes it does, to the casual sports fan, the average punter in the street and for the continued integrity of the sport. They should know when asked “who is the heavyweight champion of the world ?”. In an ideal world the response would be emphatic, not, “well actually there are two, (or even three)”. It does the sport a continued disservice to not have a universally recognised champion for the last twenty odd years.

But in reality all sports are confusing to a degree. In tennis you have a Wimbledon champion, a French Open champion etc. True you have a world #1 but each Slam has its respective champions. In lesser ‘sports’ like darts confusion reigns. What is important is that Fury and Joshua do meet, as soon as possible and ideally with no further losses on their records (noted that Fury is undefeated). If all the straps are up for grabs all the better, but don’t let that get in the way of these two guys meeting. The public will ultimately decide who the best man is based on results. If a title or two has to be given up on the journey so be it. Make the fight happen when the world returns to a sense of normality. Over to you messrs Warren, Arum and Hearn.

Mental Health Awareness

Hello readers, you will note that the regular Monday LunchBox has been temporarily retitled the ‘LockDown’ given the unfamiliar and difficult times we continue to find ourselves in.

We are all largely aware of the impact of COVID-19 on our daily lives, those sadly affected directly by losses in their families, and of far lesser importance the impact on the sporting calendar. The current situation can have a major impact and in extreme cases devastating effect on the mental health and wellbeing across all sectors of society. Boxers and the boxing fraternity are not spared in this regard.

Today is the start of Mental Health Awareness week in the UK and it is with some irony that the Mental Health minute shared with the country this morning at 11am over television, radio and other media outlets was opened by IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. He was later followed by Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge and other notable spokespeople.

The irony is that in a sport for which one of the objectives is to seperate ones senses from the ability to continue to compete, either by physical contact or mental degradation, that it should be a boxer who opened this minute of consideration. This shows the power of boxing to capture the hearts and minds of the general public, and in doing so, develop individuals who represent all that is good in sport. For the want of re-stating a much overused cliché – the ability to create ‘role models’. Anthony Joshua is considered this by a lot of the sporting population, who across the gyms and training centres of the country they look to follow, support and maybe one day emulate.

Mental health, for obvious reasons has always been an issue in boxing. WBC world heavyweight champion’s Frank Bruno and Tyson Fury have literally ‘moved mountains’ in recent years in raising awareness and public consciousness on the issue via the platform of being elite professional boxers and from their own painful experiences. Check out any of their autobiographies which focus considerably on their personal challenges outside the ring.

In boxing, setting aside the clear challenge and results of physical combat, both at a repetitive and prolonged level, there are the well documented cases and impacts of the highs and lows of the sport. Boxing can take a fighter from poverty and relative obscurity to the highest of highs in any sport. A highly successful boxer can earn millions, meet kings, queens and presidents and receive the adulation of nations. However, the higher the rise, inevitably the bigger the potential to fall. Boxing is littered with elite fighters who subsequently fell on hard times. Californian Bobby Chacon, three weight world champion Wilfredo Gomez to name but two.

But; for every Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Lennox Lewis there are thousands who forever ply their trade earning small purses in small halls and never attain the heights. It is highly likely that these are the ones who are suffering most in the current pandemic. The journeyman fighter who’s sole earning potential is a fight a month in a small hall, the kid who’s just come off the streets and in an attempt to find life focus has found the refuge of the local gym, the ex-boxer who’s now struggling to make ends meet. These are the people in our sport who we should be thinking about. Registered charities such as Ringside Rest and Care exist not just by choice, but by necessity. And, in these difficult times need our support.

Then, there are those on the periphery of the sport – in the so called service industry – the promotional teams, those that go up and down the country setting up rings, supporting press conferences and media events , selling tickets. The impact on the sport is considerable and in these difficult times are suffering. The open ended termination of social distancing and lack of a definite timetable could be potentially irreversible for many in the business.

So; in this time of uncertainty just look around you and support those who may be in need; maybe just a call or text or a bit of face time. Mental health is now a recognised modern disease challenging all in society, and potentially increased by the temporary loss of a high profile sport to all those participants and observers. Let us consider that early this week as a starter.

Keep healthy all and keep punching.

The Four Hombres

In recent weeks the focus has rightly been on the ‘Four Kings’ of Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran and the fortieth anniversary of their intertwined bouts which dominated the 1980’s.

However, at the beginning of the decade four boxing legends from the Hispanic community were operating in the lighter weight divisions – three of which would go onto capture multi-divisional ‘world’ titles, and the fourth would be ranked one of the greatest featherweights of all time.

The esteemed quartet were Alexis Arguello, Wilfredo Gomez, Wilfred Benitez and Salvador Sanchez.

The cover of The Ring magazine of October 1982 and rankings within would recognise the impact these fighters were having on the Latino scene and at world level. Three being organisational ‘world champions and two recognised by The Ring as the divisional king.

Centre stage was the Nicaraguan Arguello – ‘El Flaco Explosivo’ The Explosive Thin Man – who was attempting to capture a fourth world title at light-welterweight (140lbs/10 stone) having won titles from feather (126lbs) through to lightweight (135lbs). Arguello would go onto narrowly fail against Aaron Pryor in two title attempts, the first fight in the Orange Bowl, Miami on 12 Nov 1982 being recognised as one of the greatest fights of all time. Arguello would finish with a record of 82-8 (65 KO’s) and enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota.

Wilfredo ‘Bazooka’ Gomez from San Juan, Puerto Rico followed a stellar amateur career competing at the Munich Olympics at 15 by gaining world titles at super-bantamweight (122lbs/8st 10lbs) to super-featherweight (130lbs/9st 4lbs). In his homeland he was and remains a boxing and cultural icon.

Back in 1982 he had made 17 successful defences in the super-bantamweight division, all by knockout. A divisional record. He made a single manned assault on Mexican boxing heritage and the Mexico-Puerto Rican rivalry by beating legends like Carlos Zarate before moving up to featherweight for a first time and failing in a bid at Salvador Sanchez’ WBC world title. His first loss. It would take him some years to recover but he eventually added the two heavier titles. Gomez’ career record would read 44-3-1 (42 KO’s).

Wilfred ‘El Radar’ Benitez, also Puerto Rican but born and raised in New York, was the heavier of the fighters campaigning and winning world titles up to light-middleweight (154lbs/11st). He won his first world title at light-welterweight at age 17 (which remains a world record) from Colombian great Antonio Cervantes and would go onto beat Roberto Duran and lose narrowly to Sugar Ray Leonard in marquee fights. Benitez would finish on 53-8-1 (31 KO’s).

Finishing the quartet was featherweight great and Mexican icon Salvador ‘Chava’ Sanchez. He would compile a record of 44-1-1 (32 KO’s) making nine successful defences of his title, two against future hall of famers Azumah Nelson and Wilfredo Gomez. The historic fight against Gomez on 21 Aug 1981 would see the Puerto Rican enter the ring with a 32-0-1 (32 KO) record, including 14 world title fights. Sanchez would dominate throughout scoring an 8th round stoppage victory.

Tragedy would strike in August 1982 when Sanchez life was cruelly taken in a car crash at the tender age of 23. The October 1982 edition of The Ring would mark this sad occasion with a eulogy by Jose Torres. In the mode of James Dean this tragedy would further add to the legend of his accomplishments. Arguello’s life was also sadly cut short at 57 in 2009. Gomez and Benitez survive in difficult health but collectively define a golden Hispanic era.

Five fights that sum up the period of the ‘Four Hombres’ can be viewed on YouTube. Check out Gomez v Zarate, Sanchez v Gomez, Sanchez v Nelson, Pryor v Arguello I, and Benitez v Leonard.

The Latino Legends

The sport of boxing has been blessed with great fighters from almost all continents of the world, from Manny Pacquiao (Asia) to Jeff Fenech (Australasia) and onto Azumah Nelson (Africa). Great fighters, but also national icons of that continents sporting history.  

However, no continent has provided more great champions than the Americas.  Arguably not the USA, but in the south of that land mass – Latin America. From Mexico through central America to the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico and down to the boxing hotbeds of Panama, Colombia and Argentina.

The monikers of ‘Manos De Piedra’ (Hands of Stone), ‘El Flaco Explosivo’ (The Explosive Thin Man) and ‘El Gran Campeon’ (The Great Champion) resonate out from the Latin third of the continents. Messrs Roberto Duran, Alexis Arguello and Julio Cesar Chavez are the epitome of national pride and Latino machismo.

From the pioneers of Kid Chocolate and Panama Al Brown in the 1920’s & 30’s, through Manuel Ortiz and Kid Gavilan in the 40’s & 50’s, to Pascual Perez and Jose Napoles into the 1960’s and beyond, the Hispanic two-thirds of the America’s has been bountiful with multiple champions and many multi-weight world champions – Arguello x3, Duran x4, Chavez x3, Wilfred Benitez x3, Juan Manuel Marquez x4, Erik Morales x4, Marco Antonio Barrera x3.

There have been legendary fights between these champions, sometimes resulting in trilogies – Barrera v Morales in the early millennium being the pick of the bunch – Barrera winning the series 2-1 in epic fights. Add to that Israel Vazquez v Rafael Marquez from 2007-2010 resulting in a fourth fight and final 2-2 log.

There have been the famous rivalries between countries, most notably Mexico v Puerto Rico, and the fights that epitomised that rivalry – Carlos Zarate v Wilfredo Gomez, Lupe Pintor v Gomez and Salvador Sanchez v Gomez in the 1980’s being classic examples. Into the 90’s there was the Michael Carbajal v Humberto Gonzalez rivalry at light flyweight (108lbs), their first fight being the pick of the crop.

A number of these Latin legends have been involved in the greatest fights of all time – Sugar Ray Leonard v Roberto Duran 1, Aaron Pryor v Alexis Arguello 1 the prime examples.

Many Latin boxers have been Ring Magazine fighter of the year:

Jose Napoles – 1969

Carlos Monzon – 1972

Carlos Zarate – 1977

Salvador Sanchez – 1981

Julio Cesar Chavez – 1991

Felix Trinidad – 2000

Sergio Martinez – 2010

Juan Manuel Marquez – 2012

A number dominated their divisions through a decade – Duran (lightweight), Monzon (middleweight), Zarate (bantamweight), Lopez (strawweight) and Pedroza (featherweight).

Some featured in milestone fights that marked a ‘passing of the torch’ to a younger hero – Jose Napoles v John H Stracey and Eusebio Pedroza v Barry McGuigan being examples closest to home.

Then, there are the lesser known champions who live on for their ferocity, one punch power, bravery or pure class – Lupe Pintor, Ruben Olivares, Diego Corrales, Ricardo ‘Finito’ Lopez, and national icons like Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez and Edwin Valero, from Nicaragua and Venezuela respectively.

Not forgetting the American/Mexican’s or Mexican/American’s, however you wish to put it. The Oscar De La Hoya’s, Bobby Chacon’s, and Michael Carbajal’s to name but a few. Even the recent heavyweight champion of the world Andy Ruiz reclaimed his Mexican heritage when becoming champion.

One common theme throughout this ledger is with the exception of Andy Ruiz and 1920’s Argentine Luis Firpo almost all these boxers have campaigned and enjoyed success in the lighter weight classes. Predominantly from strawweight (105lbs) to lightweight (135lbs), exceptionally up to middleweight (160lbs).

All these supreme boxers do though share a common language and fistic heritage, mainly with few exceptions, a rise from poverty to the higher echelons of the sport. All despite being individually unique, have illustrated that Latino machismo when under fire and have considerably enhanced the sport over the decades on the world stage. Viva boxeo latino !  Long may boxing in the Hispanic world flourish and may the roll call of legends continue into the future.

Many of these legends can be viewed on YouTube to get a true appreciation of their significant contribution to boxing history.