The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Rivalry: Super Featherweight / Jr. Lightweight 130 lbs. World Title Bouts by M.DeTyrone

The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Rivalry: Super Featherweight / Jr. Lightweight 130 lbs.  World Title Bouts

by M.DeTyrone

·         Puerto Rico is an island of 9,104 km2 (3,515 Sq. mi) the population of less than 4 million.

·         Mexico is nation of the Area 1,972,550 km2 (761,606 sq. mi.) 15th in the World.

·         The Mexican population is plus 100,000,000 and ranked 11th in the world.

·         Mexicans within the United States circa 40 million plus.

The Super Featherweight Division established in the 1920’s and it lasted only 12 years until it reestablished in the 1960’s. The first fight between a Puerto Rican Boxer vs. a Mexican of Mexican-American Boxer for a world title was Alfredo Escalera vs. Carlos Becerril a fight which Escalera won via a 8^th round KO. One of the best fights has been the trilogy between John J. Molina vs. Tony “Tiger” Lopez overall John J.Molina won five fights world title fights and lost three vs. Mexican & Mexican-American Boxers. One of the most controversial was Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. victory over Juan LaPorte in 1986 a fight many believed Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. lost.

Super Featherweight / Jr. Lightweight 130 lbs. (59.0 Kilograms) World Title Bouts:

Puerto Rican Boxers: 11-5-1 (5 KO) 31.25%KO

1.      Alfredo Escalera defeats Carlos Becerril by KO 8: WBC Super Featherweight title 1977.

2.      Alfredo Escalera defeats Sigfredo Rodriguez by UD 15: WBC Super Featherweight 1977.

3.      Hector L. "Macho” Camacho defeats Rafael “Bazooka” Limon by a TKO 5: WBC Super Featherweight title 1983.

4.      John J.Molina defeats Tony Lopez by TKO 10: IBF Super Featherweight title 1989.

5.      John J.Molina defeats Lupe Suarez by TKO 6: IBF Super Featherweight title 1990.

6.      John J.Molina defeats Fransico Segura by TKO 8: IBF Super Featherweight title 1993.

7.      John J. Molina defeats Manuel Medina by UD 12: IBF Super Featherweight title 1993.

8.      John J. Molina defeats Gregorio Vargas by 12 UD: IBF Super Featherweight title 1994.

9.      Roman “Rocky” Martinez defeats Miguel Beltran Jr. by SD 12: WBO Jr. Lightweight title 2012.

10.  Roman “Rocky” Martinez defeats Diego Magdaleno by MD 12: WBO Jr. Lightweight title.
11. Roman “Rocky” Martinez defeats Orlando “Siri” Salido by MD12: WBO World Super Featherweight title 2015. 

Mexican & Mexican-American Boxers: 5-10-1 (1KO) .06%KO

1.      Julio Cesar Chavez defeats +Juan LaPorte UD 12: WBC Super Featherweight title 1986.

2.      Tony Lopez defeats John J. Molina by 12 UD: IBF Super Featherweight 1988.

3.      Tony Lopez defeats John J. Molina by 12 SD: IBF Super Featherweight 1990.

4.      Robert Garcia defeats John J. Molina by 12 UD: IBF Super Featherweight 1999.

5.      Miguel Angel Garcia defeats Roman “Rocky” Martinez KO 8: WBO Super Featherweight Title 2013.

Draw:

1.      Roman “Rocky” Martinez draws versus Juan Carlos Burgos: WBO Jr. Lightweight title 2013.  


Updated 4/2015

Updated 1/3/2015
Created 2012

The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Rivalry: Super Bantamweight / Jr. Featherweights 122 lbs. World Title Bouts by M.DeTyrone

The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Rivalry: Super Bantamweight / Jr. Featherweights 122 lbs. World Title Bouts by M.DeTyrone

·         Puerto Rico is an island of 9,104 km2 (3,515 Sq. mi) the population of less than 4 million.

·         Mexico is nation of the Area 1,972,550 km2 (761,606 sq. mi.) 15th in the World.

·         The Mexican population is plus 100,000,000 and ranked 11th in the world.

·         Mexicans within the United States circa 40 million plus. 

The Super Bantamweight division reestablished by the WBC in 1976, and dominated by Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez with nine victories via KO over Mexican & Mexican-American boxers. The first meeting was Wilfredo Gomez vs. Raul Tirado who he defeated via TKO in five rounds for the WBC Super Bantamweight title in 1977. The Puerto Rican boxers control the Super Bantamweight Division with 14 victories, 7 defeats, and they have won 62% of the fights via KO versus Mexican & Mexican-American Boxers. The best boxer in this Super Bantamweight division was and still is the Boxing Hall of Famer Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez.

Super Bantamweight / Jr. Featherweights 122 lbs. (55.34 Kilograms) World Title Bouts:

Puerto Rico: 14-7 (13 KO) 62%KO

1.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Raul Tirado TKO 5: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1977.

2.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Carlos Zarate TKO 5: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1978.

3.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Juan Antonio Lopez TKO 10: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1978.

4.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Nicky Perez TKO 5: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1979.

5.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Carlos Mendoza TKO 10: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1979.

6.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Lupe Pintor by TKO 14: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1982.

7.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Roberto Rubaldino TKO 8: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1982.

8.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Juan Antonio Lopez TKO 10: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1982.

9.      Wilfredo Gomez defeats Juan Meza TKO 6: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1982.

10.  Wilfredo Vasquez defeats Raul Perez by TKO 3: WBA Super Bantamweight title 1992.

11.  Wilfredo Vasquez defeats Orlando Canizales by SD 15: Super Bantamweight title 1995.

12.  Juan Manuel Lopez defeats Daniel Ponce De Leon by TKO 1: WBO Super Bantamweight title 2008.

13.  Juan Manuel Lopez defeats Cesar Figueroa by KO 1: WBO Super Bantamweight title 2008.

14.  Wilfredo Vasquez jr. defeats Ivan Hernandez by TKO 11: WBO Super Bantamweight title 2010.

Mexican & Mexican-American Boxers: 7-14 (4 KO) 19%KO

1.      Jesse Benavidez defeats Orlando Fernandez by UD 12: WBO Super Bantamweight 1991.

2.      Michael Antonio Barrera defeats +Frankie Toledo TKO2: WBO Super Bantamweight title 1995

3.      Marco Antonio Barrera defeats Orlando Fernandez by TKO 7: WBO Super Bantamweight title 1996.

4.      Enrique Sanchez defeats Rafael Del Valle by UD 12: WBA Super Bantamweight title 1998.

5.      Erik Morales defeats Angel Chacon by KO 2: WBC Super Bantamweight title 1999.

6.      Jorge Arce defeats Wilfredo Vasquez jr. by TKO 12: WBO Super Bantamweight title 2011.

7.      Leo Santa Cruz defeats Cesar Seda by UD12: WBC World Super Bantamweight title 2013.

Updated 1/3/2015

Created 2012

The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Rivalry: Minimumweight / Strawweight 105 Lbs. World Title Fights by M.DeTyrone

The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Rivalry:  Minimumweight / Strawweight 105 Lbs. World Title Fights by M.DeTyrone

·         Puerto Rico is an island of 9,104 km2 (3,515 Sq. mi) the population of less than 4 million.

·         Mexico is nation of the Area 1,972,550 km2 (761,606 sq. mi.) 15th in the World.

·         The Mexican population is plus 100,000,000 and ranked 11th in the world.

·         Mexicans within the United States circa 40 million plus. 

Recognized by the IBF in 1987, WBC in 1987, and WBA in 1988, WBO in 1989 the first meeting between a Puerto Rican Boxer vs. a Mexican or Mexican-American Boxer was Alex “Nene” Sanchez vs. Oscar Andrade for the WBO World Minimumweight title in 1994 resulting in Sanchez winning by TKO in the fourth round. The best Puerto Rican & Mexican boxers in this division were Ricardo Lopez, Ivan Calderon, and Alex Sanchez.  The best boxer in the Minimumweight division was Ricardo Lopez. Head to Head, Puerto Rican Boxers dominate the division vs. Mexican & Mexican-American Boxers with nine wins 2 defeats and three KO’s winning 27% of the bouts via KO.

Minimumweight / Strawweight 105 Lbs. (47.6) World Title Fights:

Puerto Rican Boxers: 9-2 (3KO) 27%KO

1.      .  Alex “Nene” Sanchez defeats Oscar Andrade by TKO 4: WBO World Minimumweight title 1994.
2.       . Alex “Nene” Sanchez defeats Arturo Mayan by TKO 1: WBO World Minimumweight title 1994.
3.      Alex “Nene” Sanchez defeats Tomas Rivera by UD 12: WBO World Minimumweight title 1995.
4.       Alex “Nene” Sanchez defeats Rafael Orozco by TKO 4: WBO World Minimumweight title 1995.
5.       Alex “Nene” Sanchez defeats Jose Victor Burgos by UD 12: WBO World Minimumweight title 1997.
6.    . Ivan “Iron Boy" Calderon defeats Lorenzo Trejo by UD12: WBO World Minimumweight title 2003.
7.     Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon defeats Roberto Carlos Leyva by UD 12: WBO World Minimumweight title 2004.
8.   . Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon defeats Gerardo Verde by UD 12: WBO World Minimumweight title 2005.
9.      .  Ivan “Iron Boy" Calderon defeats Isaac Bustos by UD12: WBO World Minimumweight title 2006.

Mexican & Mexican-American Boxers: 2-9 (2KO) 18%KO

1.      Ricardo Lopez defeats Alex Sanchez by TKO 5: WBC/WBO World Minimumweight title 1997.

2.      Moises Fuentes defeats Ivan Calderon by TKO5: WBO World Minimumweight title 2012.


Updated 1/3/2015
Created in 2012

Salido vs. Martinez: #137 Puerto Rico vs. Mexico? By M.DeTyrone

Salido vs. Martinez: #137 Puerto Rico vs. Mexico?

By M.DeTyrone

In World Championship Fights:

Puerto Rican Boxers 76-59-2 1NC (40 KO)

 Vs.

Mexico & Mexican Americans 76-59-2 1NC (31KO)

In WBO Championship Fights:

Puerto Rican Boxers: 31-27-2 1NC (11 KO)

Vs.

Mexican & Mexican-American Boxers: 27-31-2 1NC (14 KO)

Super Featherweight (Jr. Lightweight) 130 lbs. World Title Bouts:

Puerto Rican Boxers: 10-5-1 (5 KO) 31.25%KO

 Vs.

Mexican & Mexican-American Boxers: 5-10-1 (1KO) .06%KO

You have two sluggers that will be going at it in a battle of will although Orlando Salido has hit the canvas 10 times in his last seven fights he gets up and wins. Salido been KO’d two times in round four, one time in round three, one time in round seven, and one time in round eight. However, those KO’s were early in his career at the age 34 years old he’s a veteran of many wars, and Rocky Martinez 31 years old , and is less worn down than Salido. 

Roman “Rocky” Martinez: 28-2-2 (17KO)

Height 5’8” Reach 67”

Record of opponents in the last six fights: 150-18-1

Last six fights: 4-1-1 (3KO)

Martinez has an 82% KO within the first six rounds.

Martinez has an 18% KO after the sixth round.

Martinez has a 47% KO in rounds 4&5.

Lost via a body shot TKO against Mikey Garcia and lost his WBO Super Featherweight Title.

Orlando “Siri” Salido: 42-12-2 (29KO)

 Height 5’6” Reach 67”

Record of opponents in the last six fights: 156-11-2

Last six fights: 5-1 (5KO)

Salido has a 72% KO within the first six rounds.

Salido has a 28% KO after the sixth round.

Salido has a 42% KO in rounds 3, 4, & 5.

In the last seven fights, Salido has hit the canvas10 times.

Last defeat was vs. Mikey Garcia via TD in the 8^th round and he hit the canvas 4 times.

I will give the edge to Salido in this fight if Martinez doesn’t KO Salido within the first six rounds, in my opinion, Salido is hard boxer to put away and Martinez doesn’t have the power to finish him. Therefore, I see either a brutal fight for 12 rounds or a late stoppage win for Salido.

Khan, Mayweather Jr., & the 140 lbs. Division. by M.DeTyrone

Khan, Mayweather, & the 140 lbs. Division. 

by M.DeTyrone

Amir “King” Khan 30-3 (19KO) the current WBC Silver Welterweight Champion either suffers from a short-term memory or Danny Garcia completely scrambled his brain. I don’t understand why he believes that he deserves a title fight vs. Floyd Jr. when he’s just fought three fights at 147 lbs. in one, which Khan hit the canvas once again by a now retired journey Julio Diaz. Let’s be real! What Khan needs to do is fight the IBF Welterweight Champion Kell “The Special One” Brook  33-0 (22KO) in the United Kingdom and if he defeats Kell Brook and wins the IBF 147 world title then he would have a claim at fighting Floyd Jr. Other boxers more deserve to fight Floyd Jr. that Khan is now.  These commentators and Khan Fans are saying that Khan’s speed and movement will Floyd Jr. problems. Really, are we to believe that Floyd Jr. can’t adjust to Khan’s speed, or can’t hurt Khan? People forget Floyd Jr. power at 140 lbs. was solid and he does have a higher KO percentage than Pacman in world title fights.  Can Khan defeat Floyd Jr.? Anything can occur in the boxing ring, but the odds are against Khan defeating Floyd Jr.

All these people demanding Floyd Jr. vs. Pacman and demanding that both boxers need to be make obligatory into a fight. Last time I checked Floyd Jr. is nobody’s slave and his under a contract and can fight under that contract. Boxing business is a free-market, boxers obtain what’s the best for them economically, and neither the government, president, nor any organization should be forcing boxers to fight unless he decides. You don’t like the sport. Hey! No one is forcing you to watch it or pay for any of the pay per views. Somehow, modern boxing fans, propagandist claiming to be journalist, and commentators feel that they are entitled to make the decision of boxers according to their own desires. If the fight happens then it does if doesn’t then it doesn’t boxing is bigger than two boxers. In addition, the true boxing fans want to see the rematch between Roman “Chocolatito” vs. “El Gallo” Estrada that’s a mega-fight in its own right.

The WBA 140 lbs. division has two weak champions Jesse Vargas 26-0 (9KO) the WBA Regular Champion, and Jose Benavidez 22-0 (15KO) the Interim-WBA Champion both, in my opinion, would be defeated by Adrien Broner 29-1 (22KO). There are other contenders for the WBA Regular title including the Dominican via French Guiana Thomas Dulorme 22-1 (14KO) that has week stamina but decent power. Then there’s Michael Perez 21-1-2 (10KO) out of Newark, New Jersey good power, with horrible stamina, and once already quit vs. Omar Figueroa, who will be likely moving up to 140 lbs. Regardless of those names, expect Jesse Vargas to defend the WBA Regular 140 lbs. title and face Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in Dallas, Texas sometime in 2015. The 140 lbs. division will be an interesting division due to the fact that Terrence Crawford 25-0 (17KO) will likely be also be moving to 140 lbs.

Mikey Garcia 34-0 (28KO) is said to be jumping 10 lbs. after his win in Jan 25, 2014 over Juan Carlos Burgos that hurt him. He’s stated that he wants to fight at 140 lbs. I suspect he’ll jump to 135 instead if Crawford leaves the WBO title vacant. In my opinion, Mikey Garcia wants no part of Terence Crawford, and once he faces better opposition Mikey Garcia will end up KO’d just as his brother did, or quitting the moment, he faces a true opponent with skills. People claim he’s that good beating up on a washed-up Juan Ma Lopez, a no defense slugger like Roman Martinez 28-2-2 (17KO), which dropped on the canvas, and quitting by winning a title vs. Orlando Salido 42-12-2 (29KO) after he broke his nose. I give the edge to Terrence Crawford vs. a Mikey Garcia.

Let’s not forget about Lucas Matthysse 36-3 (34KO) that will likely be fighting for a WBO 140 Lbs. World title vs. either any boxer. Depending if Crawford moves up to 140 lbs. or Mikey Garcia moves up to 140 lbs. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Provodnikov 24-3 (17KO) vs. Matthysse for the WBO 140 lbs. title. 

Cotto’s MSG Boxing Successor? by M.DeTyrone

Cotto’s MSG Boxing Successor?

M.DeTyrone

Unlike the other boxers, Miguel Cotto has built a date on his own and on the East Coast during the weekend of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC at the Mecca of Boxing Madison Square Garden. If one looks at the history of Puerto Ricans boxers, fighting in MSG it’s a long one. In which boxers like Hall of Famers Carlos Ortiz and Jose Torres fought opponents like Kenny Lane, Flash Elorde, Ken Buchanan, Dick Tiger twice, Willie Pastrano, and Bobo Olson in MSG.

Therefore, the tradition of Puerto Rican boxers already established the difference has been that Miguel Cotto, unlike Felix Trinidad who also fought in MSG. Cotto established the weekend of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade as part of a boxing event. Cotto is at the end of his hall of fame career, and he’s built a boxing date on the Saturday before the National Puerto Rican Day Parade since his first fight vs. Muhammad Abdullaev in June 11, 2005. The question is once Cotto retires.  Who will be the successor to take over this date in NYC?

Miguel Cotto on the weekend of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade:

1.         Miguel Cotto vs. Muhammad Abdullaev: June 11, 2005

2.         Miguel Cotto vs. Paul Malignaggi: June 10 2006

3.         Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah: June 9, 2007

4.         Miguel Cotto vs. Joshua Clottey: June 13, 2009

5.         Miguel Cotto vs. Yuri Foreman: June 5, 2010 (Yankee Stadium)

6.         Miguel Cotto vs. Sergio Martinez: June 6, 2014

One of the best contenders is Philadelphian/Puerto Rican Danny Garcia, who’s an established champion that has headlined three fights since 2012 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NYC. However, he’s not fought in the Mecca of Boxing that being Madison Square Garden. Due to his family roots in Philadelphia and the Puerto Rican boxing fan base in NYC, NJ, Philadelphia and Connecticut.  He’s the best contender to take over the Saturday before the National Puerto Rican Day Parade.  The other two contenders are the prospects Felix Verdejo 16-0 (12KO) and Jose Pedraza 19-0 (12KO). Top Rank has been placing Felix Verdejo in strategically events in Orlando, Macao, China, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, and NYC (MSG and Radio City Music Hall).

Jose Pedraza should be fighting for the IBF Super Featherweight Title in 2015. He has fought in California, Canada, Puerto Rico, and in NYC at MSG. He has a strong following on the island and if he’s successful in winning the IBF Super Featherweight title in 2015 then it’s only logical to have him fight in MSG.

Cinco de Mayweather by M.DeTyrone

Cinco de Mayweather

M.DeTyrone

Lately in boxing circles, boxing sites and social media pages much been expressed about the boxing days centering on Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day which is celebrated on Sept 16.  The reality of the matter is that Cinco de Mayo has become more of a boxing event due to Floyd Mayweather jr. strategic and masterful promoting of the day since 2007. Recently the comments from Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya and nationalistic fan base are claiming that Cinco de Mayo was to be return back to for Mexican boxers as an exclusive date. They truly dismiss and underestimate all other demographics that support boxing. It seems that it’s all about marketing nationalism and you have a boxer that hasn’t accomplished much in boxing that feels it’s an ethnic right to claim a boxing date on a calendar.

 There is no personally identity or any great individual accomplishments in Canelo’s career so the only appeal they have is a nationalistic self-esteem thus also appealing to the lowest denominator of boxing fans that use boxing to identify with a culture by demeaning another. Notice the constant talk of Canelo vs. Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya promoting on twitter let’s revive the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. Does he realize that he’s talking about a rivalry of a nation of millions vs. a small island in the Caribbean?  I would be ashamed to be from such a big nation with a countless population of those of Mexicans ancestry living in the USA and my main rivalry is a small island in the Caribbean with less than 4 million citizens.

Mind you! When Oscar De La Hoya faced Puerto Rico’s best at the time Felix Trinidad to define the best welterweight in the world on Mexican Independence weekend on the west coast. Oscar according to his own standards ran for his dear life. Let’s remember he and Canelo called it running when Lara boxed. I guess it depends what your ethnicity is.

I can understand the argument, if you’re only going to build a ppv star on one specific demographic. The problem with that strategy is that all Latinos/Hispanics celebrate Cinco de Mayo or Mexican Independence Day on Sept 16 neither does the international boxing fan. If you have a competitive event with a strong undercard then the boxing fans will purchase the fight regardless of the dates. The boxers that have built the September date to a marketable importance within the boxing business have been Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Oscar De La Hoya, and currently Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya fought 5 times during the Cinco de Mayo Weekend; however, his biggest fight on that date was vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 5, 2007.  Oscar’s biggest fights during his career were on the Mexican Independence Day Weekend.

1.      Oscar De La Hoya Vs.  Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.: September 18, 1998

2.      Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad: September 18, 1999

3.      Oscar De La Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas: September 14, 2002

4.      Oscar De La Hoya vs. Shane Mosley: September 13, 2003

5.      Oscar De La Hoya vs. Bernard Hopkins: September 18, 2004

Chávez Sr. fought opponents like David Kamau, Meldrick Taylor, Pernell Whitaker, and Hector Camacho on the Mexican Independence Day weekend, nevertheless; many of Julio Cesar Chávez Sr. big fights were on dates outside those two dates. One of Julio Cesar Chávez Sr. memorable fight held in Estadio Azteca, in México vs. Greg Haugen on February 20 1993. 

Floyd Mayweather Jr. after defeating Oscar De La Hoya on May 5, 2007 must have realized the importance commercially of those two dates and capitalized on the opportunity.  Since 2007, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has fought on the Cinco de Mayo Weekend:

1.      Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Oscar De La Hoya: May 5, 2007

2.      Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Vs. Shane Mosley: May 1, 2010

3.      Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Miguel Cotto: May 5, 2012

4.      Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Vs. Robert Guerrero: May 4, 2013

5.      Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Marcos R. Maidana: May 3, 2014

6.      Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. TBA: May 2015

On the Weekend of the Mexican Independence Day Floyd Mayweather Jr. has fought:

1.      Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Vs. Juan Manuel Marquez: September 19 2009

2.      Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Vs. Victor Ortiz: September 17 2011

3.      Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Vs. Saul Alvarez: September 14 2013

4.      Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Vs. Marcos R. Maidana: September 15 2014

5.      Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. TBA: September 2015

Neither Chavez Sr. nor DeLaHoya have accomplished PPV records like Floyd Jr. on those dates.

All the sudden Saul “Canelo” Alvarez thinks that, he’ll just take over a boxing date without accomplishing anything.  I wish them luck, with all the marketing of nationalism and creating an atmosphere of US vs. Them. The big problem will be that no date will improve Canelo’s talent or skills within the Jr. Middleweight division or Middleweight division where Mexican boxers historically have never accomplished anything great. English, USA, Argentine and Puerto Rican boxers have historically dominated the Jr. Middleweight Division.