1. Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
Loved by some, hated by others, there can be no doubt that Canelo is arguably the best pound for pound boxer of the modern era, endowed with incredible punching power that makes him a perfect K.O. machine. Here is a video some of his best knockouts.
2. Julio Cesar Chavez
Power, elegance, heart. These are the words that define “the lion of Culiacan”, considered the greatest Mexican boxer ever with 115 professional fights, of which he won 107. Julio retired in 2005. Nowadays he works as a boxing analyst for big TV channels such as ESPN and Azteca.
3. Juan Manuel Marquez
When we think of “Dynamite” Marquez, it is impossible not to conjure up images of his epic rivalry with Manny Pacquiao and that unexpected knockout in the final of their 4 clashes. The man from Iztacalco, Mexico D.F. made his debut in 1993 and had his last fight against Mike Alvarado on May 27, 2014, winning the WBO International welterweight title on that occasion.
4. Marco Antonio Barrera
Between 1995 and 2005, Barrera held multiple world titles in three different weight categories. Known for his spectacular rivalries with Naseem Hamed, Manny `pacman” Pacquiao and Erik “el terrible” Morales, he was inducted into boxing’s hall of fame in 2017 and, according to ESPN, is ranked 43rd of the 50 best boxers of all time.
5. Miguel Canto
‘El maestro’ was one of the flyweight division’s biggest champions in the 70s. He did not possess the ‘slam-bag’ style typical of Mexican fighters, with just 14 of his 61 victories coming by way of knockout. Instead he relied on expert defence, using his knowledge, speed and boxing skills rather than brute force.
6. Carlos Zarate
The WBA and WBC bantamweight champion in the late 70s, Zarate packed a fierce punch and is one of only two professional boxers, the other being Ruben Olivares, to have won twenty fights in a row by knockout. In 1999 he was voted as the best bantamweight of the 20th century by ‘the associated press’ and was ranked number 21 in the ring magazine’s list of the 100 greatest punchers.
7. Ruben Olivares
Better known as “el púas” Olivares, Ruben, with his prodigious left hook was one of the bantamweight division’s scariest fighters in the 70’s. Olivares, with his bravery and power, is often considered one of the pioneers of the style which has today come to define Mexican boxing and his great legacy still inspires new boxing prospects many decades on from his golden age.
8. Ricardo lopez
The unbeatable ‘finito’ Lopez with a record of 52-0-1 made his professional debut in 1985 at the tender age of 18. During his career, Lopez won a total of 28 titles and shares with Floyd Mayweather jr and Rocky Marciano the record for most consecutive titles without any loss. Now retired, ‘Finito’ works as a boxing broadcaster for the TELEVISA network in his beloved Mexico.
9. Erik Morales
AKA “el terrible”, Erik, who fought from 1993 to 2012, was the first mexican born boxer to win four world titles in four different categories. Nowadays, Erik is involved in Politics and has a seat in the Mexican Parliament.
10. Alberto Arismendi
‘Baby’ Arismendi was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, he had 138 fights as professional, of which he won 93. Alberto is one of the earliest Mexican champions, gaining his first title in 1932. He passed away on New Year’s Eve 1962 at the age of 48.
