Puerto Rico’s Boxing Legends: Five of the Best Champions Ever

At the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, on September 14, Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) will defend his WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight titles against Puerto Rican challenger Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) in the main event of a Canelo Promotions – in association with Matchroom Boxing. The entire card will be live on DAZN pay-per-view in all regions except Mexico and LATAM. Ahead of fight night, BFW pays homage to five of the greatest Puerto Rican boxers ever.

Greatest Puerto Rican Boxers: A Closer Look at Five of the Best

Felix Trinidad

Felix Trinidad (42-3, 35 KOs) was a fearsome puncher who won three world titles at welterweight, super welterweight and middleweight. He was a huge crowd favourite – involved in many memorable fights.

During his career, he recorded memorable wins, including against Pernell Whitaker, Fernando Vargas and the destruction of William Joppy. “Tito” will be remembered for his KO power, but he was always an incredible pressure fighter whose hand speed and accuracy made him a nightmare for opponents.

Miguel Cotto

Miguel Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs) belongs on any list talking about great Puerto Rican boxers. He was an exceptional technician in the ring, with an impressive ring IQ who also carried plenty of power. The Hall of Fame fighter was the Puerto Rican to win a world title in four divisions (super welterweight, welterweight, super welterweight, middleweight).

His heart-of-a-lion attitude and excellent boxing ability saw him record notable wins over Shane Mosley, Zab Judah and Sergio Martinez. He also inflicted a 10-round beatdown against Antonio Margarito in their rematch, which is still one of the most satisfying fights any boxing fan will see.

Hector Camacho

Hector Camacho 79-6-3, 38 KOs) fought from 1980-2010, winning titles at super featherweight, lightweight and super welterweight. He was pure box office with his flashy, speedy style southpaw style, making him a superstar. His chin was made of pure granite, not being stopped in his career.

Memorable wins came against Jose Luis Ramirez, Edwin Rosario and Vinny Pazienza to name just three. He also faced Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya and is remembered as one of the greatest Puerto Rican fighters ever.

Wilfred Benitez

Wilfred Benitez (53-8-1, 31 KOs) has a permanent place in boxing history for winning the WBA super lightweight title in 1976, defeating Antonio Cervantes, where he became the youngest world champion in boxing history at age 17 years, 5 months, 23 days, cementing his legacy. Following that win he later won the welterweight and super welterweight titles.

He was involved in a memorable bout against Sugar Ray Leonard, losing by TKO in the final round. Memorable wins came against Carlos Palomino, Maurice Hope and Roberto Duran.

Wilfredo Gomez

Wilfredo Gomez (44-3-1, 42 KOs) was a title holder at super bantamweight, featherweight and super featherweight. He was another fearsome puncher, which helped him win many memorable fights.

When “Bazooka” landed, more often than not, it was lights out for the opposition. He went on an unbelievable run, defending his WBC title at 122lbs on seventeen occasions, winning them all by KO. Memorable wins came against Royal Kobayashi, Carlos Zarate and Juan Laporte, amongst many more.