The best Latin American boxers of all time

Introducing the best Latin American boxers in history.

Boxing is an ancient sport.

Many people find it controversial.

To those unfamiliar with the sport, boxing may seem like it’s all about the punches but experts say that it requires both physical and mental strength.

Discipline, endurance, agility, anticipating an opponent’s moves and strategizing for victory are essential.

Despite the controversy surrounding it, safety is paramount for everyone involved in this sport.

Several Latin American boxers have stood out, representing both effort and glory.

Julio Cesar Chavez is one of the Best Latin American boxers

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Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez is recognized by many as his country’s best. A star in the nineties, he went 89 fights undefeated before his first loss.

Julio Cesar claimed multiple world titles in three weight classes. Chavez himself admitted that if not for his addiction to drugs and alcohol, he could have been one of the top five boxers in history.

Chavez was renowned for his exceptional liver hook, relentless pursuit of opponents and a robust, durable jaw.

In 2014, he was awarded two Guinness World Records: one for the highest attendance at a boxing match.

Nicaraguan boxer Alexis Arguello

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Hailing from Nicaragua, another of the best Latin American boxers was known as “the explosive thin man” with over 80 fights to his name.

When Alexis moved up in weight class and faced Aaron Pryor for the first time in November 1982, he suffered his first defeat.

In a rematch in September 1983, he lost to Pryor again.

Arguello had a period of drug use, engaged in politics and was to death in 2009. Though the investigation suggests suicide, those close to him claim he was murdered.

Carlos Monzon is another of the best Latin American boxers

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Argentine boxer Carlos Monzon is considered one of the greatest in history, having been a 14-time champion in the middleweight category.

Monzon possessed a powerful punch and was a celebrity in Europe. He was even offered film roles.

His love life was tumultuous he was convicted of murdering his model girlfriend Alicia Muñiz in Mar del Plata, leading to an 11-year prison sentence.

During this time, Monzon was allowed work release to teach boxing during the day. He died in a car crash in January 1995.

Wilfredo Gomez

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This Puerto Rican boxer became an amateur world champion in Havana in 1974, at only 18 years old.

He turned professional shortly after and, despite a lackluster start, climbed to a streak of 32 knockout victories, joining a select group of fighters with 20 or more consecutive knockouts.

Nicknamed ‘Bazooka,’ he was known for quickly finishing off his opponents — on average, within four rounds.

In 1977, he won the WBC super bantamweight world title, retaining his crown until 1983 and defending the title in 17 bouts.

Oscar De La Hoya is one of the most famous boxers

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Boxer Oscar De La Hoya, nicknamed ‘Golden Boy’ and born in Montebello, California to Mexican immigrant parents, followed in his father’s footsteps. His mother was a singer.

De La Hoya faced criticism for not fighting high-caliber opponents early in his career, with many boxing fans doubting his toughness and aggression as a champion.

His career highlights include titles such as the WBO Junior Lightweight Champion twice, WBO Lightweight Champion, IBF Lightweight Champion, WBC Junior Welterweight Champion, and WBC Welterweight Champion.

Few boxers have graced the covers of both Ring Magazine and Newsweek, and De La Hoya was one of them. He is currently the founder and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

Hector Camacho Macias

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This Puerto Rican boxer, the third from his country to win three world titles, faced legends like Julio César Chávez, Roberto Durán and Oscar de la Hoya.

Known for his speed, aggression and intelligence, along with his personality, Camacho won many fans.

On August 7, 1983, he defeated Mexican Rafael Limón to win the WBC super featherweight title. His second title came in 1985, with a victory over José Luis Ramírez.

He secured his third title in 1989 after beating Ray Boom Boom Mancini. Tragically, on November 20, 2012, Camacho was shot while in a car with a childhood friend.

Salvador Sanchez

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Salvador Sanchez is another Mexican boxer. He debuted at 16 years old and was known for his powerful punch and excellent counterattack. He distinguishing himself with 18 knockout victories.

He won his first world title as featherweight champion in 1980 at 21.

One of his most celebrated fights was against Wilfredo Gómez at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in August 1981, where Sanchez, to the surprise of many, won the bout in the eighth round.

Sanchez was also a speed enthusiast and enjoyed driving his car, a passion that turned tragic in the early hours of August 11, 1982.

Latin American boxer Wilfred Benitez’s tragic life

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Puerto Rican boxer Wilfred Benitez had 53 victories in his fight record, notably becoming the youngest world welterweight champion at 17 years old on March 6, 1976.

He defeated the experienced Kid Pambele. Benitez was dubbed ‘The Radar’ for his boxing style,

Retiring at 31, Benitez suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain condition associated with boxing.

The wealth Benitez amassed during his professional career quickly vanished due to mismanagement by him and his father, who indulged in lavish spending on cars, gifts, women and luxuries.

Jose Ángel Napoles

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Jose Nápoles was born in Cuba on April 13, 1940, and nationalized in Mexico after Fidel Castro took power and banned boxing.

He became world welterweight champion in 1969 in California by defeating Curtis Cokes.

Considered one of the best welterweights in history, Nápoles tried his luck in the middleweight division on February 9, 1974, but was defeated by another great, the Argentine Carlos Monzón.

Interestingly, Nápoles, nicknamed ‘Mantequilla,’ appeared in films, playing himself in El Santo and Mantequilla Nápoles vs. La Llorona in 1974.

Eder Jofre

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His glory days are over half a century ago, but this Brazilian boxer achieved 72 victories. On November 18, 1960, in Los Angeles, he became the NBA world bantamweight champion by knocking out Eloy Sánchez in six rounds.

On September 11, 1962, he became the WBA bantamweight champion by defeating Mexican José Medel in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Additionally, on April 4, 1963, in Tokyo, he also won the WBC bantamweight title by knocking out Japanese boxer Katsutoshi Aokia in three rounds.

On May 5, 1973, he defeated José Legra by majority decision and took the world featherweight championship.

Nicolino Locche was an unusual boxer

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Argentinian boxer Nicolino Locche, born in 1939 and died in 2005, was nicknamed ‘The Untouchable’ for his exceptional defensive skills.

Mastering the art of hitting without being hit, many believe no one in boxing history defended like Nicolino, and others thought he did not fight seriously but was a clown.

On December 12, 1968, in Tokyo, he became world super lightweight champion by defeating Takeshi Fuji, retaining the title until 1972.

Gradually, people came to accept and understand his fighting style, even attracting women to his fights. In 2003, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Felix Juan Trinidad Garcia

The best Latin American boxers / PHOTO: Mezcalent

Puerto Rican boxer Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad is a professional boxer with a record of 42 wins.

He handed Óscar de la Hoya his first professional defeat by decision in 1999. The fight left many doubts and talks of a rematch that never happened.

After defeating De la Hoya, Trinidad moved up to super welterweight and then to middleweight, where he also won titles.

He became the first Puerto Rican to conquer these three divisions and the fifth Puerto Rican overall to win titles in three different weights.