Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Latest Boxing News & Rumors Today / Top 10 All-Time Greatest Mexico vs Puerto Rico Fights

Top 10 All-Time Greatest Mexico vs Puerto Rico Fights

Blood battles!
Publish Date: 09/03/2023
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

Top 10 Mexico vs Puerto Rico

Today’s list is a combination of how historically significant the fight was and how good of a battle it turned out to be.

10. Giovani Segura KO8 Ivan Calderon I

Calderon was only 5’0″ tall and weighed in at 108 pounds. Few boxing champs are smaller than Calderon. However, the diminutive Puerto Rican boxer was not strong enough to defeat Segura. Segura was relentlessly throwing punches. Calderon managed to dodge Segura’s shots for three rounds, but too much time on the ropes led to severe punishment in rounds four to five. Calderon, 35, still had some tricks and boxed through the sixth round before he could not keep up with Segura in the seventh. Calderon’s night ended in round eight with body shots, his first loss as a professional boxer, and his reign’s ended.

Video: UNDEFEATED BOXER GOT DESTROYED | Giovani Segura vs Ivan Calderon Full Highlight | TKO | HD

UNDEFEATED BOXER GOT DESTROYED | Giovani Segura vs Ivan Calderon Full Highlight | TKO | HD

9. Antonio Margarito  TKO11 Miguel Cotto

It was a heated fight until Margarito’s powerful punching turned the tide in the second bout. Round 11 saw a tired and bloodied Cotto retreating. After a Margarito combination, he took a knee and got up. Margarito continued to punish him by continuing to punish him.

Margarito was forced to wrap his hands in the next fight after his opponent noticed a plaster-like appearance. This left some wondering if Margarito’s win over Cotto had been fair and clean.

Video: Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito 1 Full Highlights

Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito 1 Full Highlights

8. Sixto Escobar KO9 Rodolfo Casanova

Escobar stopped Casanova seventy-seven years before the first Cotto/Margarito fight to possibly lay the foundation for the historical boxing rivalry between these two countries.

It was a close fight. Escobar, a skilled fighter with a vast arsenal and a lot of power, dominated the bout. Escobar won the title of first Puerto Rican to win a world championship.

Casanova was, however, brave in defeat. After suffering his first knockdown in his career, Casanova rose to his feet in Round 3. He continued to fight for the victory until Escobar’s left hook and right uppercut combo at the end of the fight left him utterly beaten to the ground.

Video: SIXTO ESCOBAR TRIBUTE

SIXTO ESCOBAR TRIBUTE

7. Felix Trinidad KO4 Yory Boy Campas

Campas was 56-0 and had 50 knockouts. On the other hand, the Puerto Rican Trinidad was 23-0 with 19 knockouts. After carefully navigating Campas’ left hook in round 1, Trinidad ran straight into it in round 2 and was knocked onto his backside. “Tito,” as he did many times before, tried to get out of trouble but was again rocked in round three. He twice hit Campas low and received a warning, followed by a deduction. Trinidad reacted furiously to the sanction and punished Campas throughout the round and into the fourth until he finally ended the battle.

Video: Felix Tito Trinidad Vs Yory Boy Campas Highlights

Felix Tito Trinidad Vs Yory Boy Campas Highlights

6. Felix Trinidad KO12 Fernando Vargas

Trinidad seemed to be heading for an early win after dropping Vargas twice in Round 1. Vargas fought back and dropped Trinidad in Round 4.

From then on, the fight was bloody carnage as each fighter tried to win. Trinidad knocked Vargas down three more times in Round 12, forcing Jay Nady, the referee, to end the fight. This was a thrilling victory in an epic slugfest.

Video: Felix Trinidad vs Fernando Vargas - Highlights (Amazing FIGHT)

Felix Trinidad vs Fernando Vargas – Highlights (Amazing FIGHT)

5. Jose Luis Ramirez KO4 Edwin Rosario

In the rematch of their hotly contested first fight a year prior, Ramirez and Rosario put on a show in 1984. Rosario appeared to be on his way to another win. The Puerto Rican looked to add to his close decision victory with a knockout this time, as he floored Ramirez in the first and second rounds.

But Ramirez remained undeterred. He pressed forward, caught Rosario with a right hand in Round 3 and slugged his way to the impressive Round 4 knockout win.

Video: 1984-11-3 Edwin Rosario vs José Luis Ramírez (FOTY)

1984-11-3 Edwin Rosario vs José Luis Ramírez (FOTY)

 

4. Wilfredo Gomes KO5 Carlos Zarate

Gomez fought back against Zarate significantly to defend his junior featherweight title against a long-time bantamweight champion.

Zarate, who was undefeated going into the fight, had won every bout except one by knockout. Gomez proved too much for the Mexican. He was faster and stronger than Zarate, which allowed him to dominate the fight until Round 5, when Harry Gibbs, the referee, stopped it.

Video: Carlos Zarate vs Wilfredo Gomez (Highlights)

Carlos Zarate vs Wilfredo Gomez (Highlights)

3. Wilfredo Gomez TKO14 Lupe Pintor

After defeating Salvador Sanchez, Gomez continued to have extracurricular distractions and a tendency to gain weight between fights. Some wondered if Gomez would be too physically strong for Pintor, and he was, as he used his strength advantage to push the smaller man around in the beginning. Pintor was struggling to adjust after moving from bantamweight to Featherweight. The Mexican finally won the third round. It was a furious, back-and-forth battle. Pintor took Gomez’s ferocious shots. This caused Gomez to lose his composure and sent him to his corner at the end of round 12. A desperate Gomez attacked Pintor and eventually dropped him with a combination that included a body shot. He managed to beat the count but barely and was chased down until he fell again on a left-hand up top. The fight was over right then.

Video: Wilfredo Gomez vs Lupe Pintor : Highlights of the fight

Wilfredo Gomez vs Lupe Pintor : Highlights of the fight

2. Julio Cesar Chavez TKO11 Edwin Rosario

Chavez stated that the world title would go to Mexico before the fight. According to punch stats, Chavez connected with more than 60 per cent of his strikes. Rosario was left gasping for air by many body shots. As Rosario was pinned to the ropes by Chavez, the champion Rosario fought back with about half the amount he ate. Chavez was able to move up a division without difficulty. He absorbed everything and used his strength to push Rosario around. Rosario’s left eye had almost closed by round 10, and his mouth was bloody. His corner saved him the next round by throwing in the towel.

Video: Julio Cesar Chavez vs Edwin Rosario (Highlights)

Julio Cesar Chavez vs Edwin Rosario (Highlights)

1. Salvador Sanchez KO8 Wilfredo Gomez

Although Sanchez had already proven his worth against the likes of Danny “Little Red”, Juan Laporte, and Ruben Castillo, Sanchez was still a 2-to-1 underdog to the charismatic, hard-hitting Puerto Rican, who was rising from 122 to meet the WBC featherweight champion. In the first round, Gomez was the one who landed on the canvas. His bewildered expression suggested that he realized that he was in for a long evening. Sanchez got Gomez into trouble in round two, but he soon relaxed and was content to take out Gomez as a painful lesson of humility. Although his eyes became swollen grotesquely, Bazooka managed to pin Sanchez to the ropes and land bombs now and then. In round eight, the punishment was too harsh for Gomez to continue the fight and “Chava” handed him his first loss. The battle of the bands before the war and the crowd’s atmosphere will never be forgotten.

Video: Salvador Sanchez vs Wilfredo Gomez - Highlights (Battle of The LITTLE GIANTS)

Salvador Sanchez vs Wilfredo Gomez – Highlights (Battle of The LITTLE GIANTS)

Read Also
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, but only cruel individuals ...
Sam Teets 2021 NFL three-round predictive mock draft 6.0
This is a predictive NFL mock draft and my final of the ...
Bet365 Promo
NFL Draft 2021: Sam Teets’ top 100 prospects big board
The 2021 NFL Draft is less than a month away, meaning it’s ...
Ranking the top 200 players in the NFL ahead of the 2021 season
This list isn’t based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. ...
Belinda Laracuente, The Puerto Rican Road Warrior Who Dished Out Brown Sugar By the Fistful
Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere. Belinda Laracuente was a boxer who not only embraced ...
Top 100 NFL free agents entering the 2021 offseason
Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this ...
Lady Tyger’s Tale: How Marian Trimiar Mauled the Boxing Establishment of the 1970s and 80s
To Feed the Ambition in Your Heart is Like Carrying a Tiger ...
Jack Moriarty and 1880’s Canadian Boxing
Sports journalist, Ed Fitkin, worked in print journalism at Toronto’s Daily Globe would find ...
The Forgotten Canadian Champion (And Maybe It’s Deserved): Billy Hawkins
As Mike Goodpaster and I prepare our popular Old-Time Boxing Show podcast, ...
The Twilight Rounds: Rod Serling explores the dark side of boxing – Round seven
“In this corner of the universe, a prizefighter named Bolie Jackson, 183 ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
BetMGM
4.9/5
Bet365
4.8/5
Caesars
4.7/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.6/5
Fanatics
Fanatics
Fanatics Review
4.5/5
Barstool
Barstool Review
3.7/5
Bally Bet
Bally Bet Review
3.7/5
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $150
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat - CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. Home or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Fanatics
Fanatics Promo
Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TV, VA, VT, WV, WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in FanCash each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. See full Promo Terms and FanCash terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
Barstool Promo
T&Cs apply
3.7/5
Latest Sport News
Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers: The Greatest Football Story Ever Told
Every once in a generation, a college football ...
Dec. 7,1970 when “The Greatest” fought “Ringo” at Mad...
Barely a month after stopping top-ranking contender Jerry ...
NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 14
There's no one singular stat that defines a ...
The Top 2025 Heisman Trophy Contenders 
The presentation of NCAA Football's most coveted award ...
Why the Cincinnati Bengals Have a Legit Shot to Make the Playoffs
The Cincinnati Bengals are sitting in a spot ...
Top 10 Indiana Hoosier Football Players of All Time
Indiana football has produced iconic stars across generations ...
Bob Jeter: The Forgotten Packer of the Lombardi Era
These are the articles I love to write ...
Lane Kiffin to LSU: College Football’s Most Predictable Disaster—Bought, Paid...
Al Davis famously called Lane Kiffin a “flat-out ...
Fritz Pollard: A Real Football Hero
In today’s world, too many people use the ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterMark LewisAuthor IconJohn RaspantiSamuel Teets
+5
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Our Favorite
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $150
Best Slots
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open Bet365
Open Bet365
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open Caesars
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now