Image via Complex Original
Tomorrow is Cinco De Mayo, a.k.a. the celebration of Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, a.k.a. just another reason to get wasted. We kid. Last year, we told you about our Favorite Mexican Athletes of All Time, but this year, we're focusing on athletes in one of the most badass professional sports: boxing. From Ricardo Lopez to Oscar De La Hoya to Juan Manuel Marquez, great Mexican fighters have been dominating opponents in the ring and entertaining fans for decades. So, in honor of the Mexican holiday, here are The 10 Greatest Mexican Boxers of All Time...
10. Juan Manuel Marquez
HOMETOWN: Mexico City
RECORD: 52-5-1 (38 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: The current WBA, WBO, and The Ring Lightweight World Champion has built a reputation for himself with his defense and counter-punch skills. He's taken both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather 12 rounds in hard fought bouts. Scoring a draw and later losing a controversial split decision to Pacquiao (who he still wants another shot at) then losing a unanimous decision to Mayweather. This is your brain. This is your brain when Marquez' fists connects with it. Yikes.
9. Erik Morales
HOMETOWN: Tijuana
RECORD: 51-7-0 (35 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: So, you know how it seems like Manny Pacquiao hasn't lost in forever? Well, Pacman's last loss was actually in 2005 and it was to this dude. But Morales has done a lot more than just beat the best pound-for-pound boxer. He's a five-time world champion, having won titles as a super bantamweight (122 pounds) on up to welterweight (147 pounds). So, homie's from Tijuana and he moves weight. Makes sense.
8. Marco Antonio Barrera
HOMETOWN: Mexico City
RECORD: 67-7-0 (44 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: Barrera has held titles fighting in the super bantamweight, featherweight, and super featherweight divisions. However, he'll probably be most remembered for his epic bouts with Erik Morales, the first of which in 2000 was named the Fight of the Year by The Ring Magazine. Barrera won two of the three fights to win the Featherweight and Super Featherweight titles. We can only find one major flaw in Barrera's career—his nickname. The Baby-Faced Assassin? C'mon, son!
7. Vicente Saldivar
HOMETOWN: Mexico City
RECORD: 37-3-0 (26 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: The late Vicente Saldivar's career only spanned 12 years, but it was enough time for him to become the WBC and WBA featherweight champion and earn an induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999. This bout with Howard Winstone was one in a trilogy between the two, where Saldivar was victorious in each fight. Sometimes it's better to just give up. #justsayin'
6. Oscar De La Hoya
HOMETOWN: East Los Angeles
RECORD: 39-6-0 (30 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: OK, so the The Golden Boy isn't Mexican-born, but no one has done as much for Mexican culture in boxing as Oscar De La Hoya. After bursting onto the scene in 1992, De La Hoya went on to win 10 world titles in six different weight classes. His pay-per-view bouts, such as this one versus Fernando Vargas, earned $696 million, which is more money than any other boxer in history. Since retirement, he's created Golden Boy Promotions, one of the premier promotion firms in the sport. Still earning millions without the constant blows to the dome (II)? Yup, that's a win.
5. Carlos Zarate
HOMETOWN: Tepito, Distrito Federal
RECORD: 66-4-0 (63 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: One of the most exciting boxers in the 1970s, Zarate is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction and was recognized as of of the 100 Greatest Punchers of All Time by The Ring Magazine. The former WBC Bantamweight Champion is the only boxer to have streaks of 20 or more knockout wins in a row. The Bantamweight division is only between 115 and 118 pounds but would you challenge homie? Us neither.
4. Salvador Sanchez
HOMETOWN: Santiago Tianguistenco
RECORD: 44-1-1 (32 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: In only two years of fighting as a professional, Sanchez was able to win the WBC Featherweight title and solidify his place in boxing history with an International Boxing Hall of Fame induction in 1991. Sadly, his career and life came to an end in a car accident less than one year after this bout with Wilfredo Gomez. R.I.P.
3. Ruben Olivares
HOMETOWN: Mexico City
RECORD: 88-13-3 (78 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: With over 100 fights in a career spanning over two decades, Olivares became a favorite among fans and analysts by knocking out his opponents in over 87 percent of his victories. During his career he spent years holding the World Bantamweight title and later the Featherweight Championship. We think Pun summed up this dude's career best: You ain't got no wins in mi casa!
2. Ricardo Lopez
HOMETOWN: Cuernavaca
RECORD: 51-0-1 (38 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: Lopez held titles in both the strawweight and light flyweight divisions. El Finito also defended his WBC Strawweight title a record 21 times from 1990 to 1999. He's only the third champion in boxing history to retire undefeated. Did we mention that homie fought his entire career between 105 and 108 pounds? Get your weight up, son! Nah, FOH.
1. Julio Cesar Chavez
HOMETOWN: Ciudad Obregon, Sonora
RECORD: 107-6-2 (89 KOs)
COMPLEX SAYS: When it comes to Julio Cesar Chavez, the numbers pretty much speak for themselves. Over 25 years in pro boxing, six world titles in three weight divisions, and most notably over 100 professional wins. El muchacho es un bestia. #nuffsaid
