Philippines, 24 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Luisito ?Earthquake? Espinosa: TAP THE ROPES FOR LUCK


PhilBoxing.com




Filipino prizefighters interestingly tap their heels against the bottom ropes before the round.

Here?s some rhyme and reason for this riveting habit adopted by Pinoy boxing greats.

?It works (Puwede).? ---Manny Pacquiao.

?Eases the nerves.? ---Dodie Boy Penalosa.

?I agree with Kuya Dodie? ---Gerry Penalosa?

?Pumps me up.? ---Nonito Donaire, Jr.?

?You mean kick the ropes??--- Morris East.

So, who started the trend?

Let?s give credit to the greatest Filipino bantamweight and featherweight champion --- Luisito ?Lindol? Espinosa --- the only Filipino boxer, and one of seven international fighters since 1890, to win the bantamweight and featherweight crowns. ?Parang talisayin bago sabong (Just like a fighting cock before the derby), ? Espinosa summarized.

Espinosa?s Best performances:

- KO1 Kaokor Galaxy, WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- TKO8 Hurley Snead, defense WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- UD12 Thanomsak Sithboabay, defense WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- KO1 Raul Perez, WBC Featherweight Championship (Tokyo, Japan)
KO6 Carlos Rios, WBC Featherweight Championship (Koronadal, South Cotabato)
- UD 12 Manuel Medina (Tokyo, Japan) and TD8 (Manila Bay, Philippines), WBC Featherweight Championship
- KO4 Alejandro ?Cobrita? Gonzalez, WBC Featherweight Championship (Guadalajara, Mexico)

Curriculum vitae:

- Athlete of the Year (Philippine Sports Writers Association)
- WBC Featherweight Champion (December 1995- May 1999, 7 defenses)
- WBA Bantamweight Champion (October 1989-October 1991, 2 defenses)
- California Bantamweight Champion (1988)
- WBC Mundo Hispano Champion (February 1993)

Author?s Notes: Happy Birthday to my brother Herminigildo ?Jay? Rivera, Jr.

Photo: Luisito Espinosa KO2 Ever Beleno (130 pounds @ San Jose, California. Golden Boy Promotions) Pic: Courtesy of Nelson Carrera 1ofonephoto.com.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES FULL FIGHT CARD FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED U.S. DEBUT EVENT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, IN TEMECULA, CALIF.
    , Fri, 24 Oct 2025
  • Mike Tyson visits Kinshasa, Congo to remember "Rumble in the Jungle"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 24 Oct 2025
  • Former World Champ Javier Fortuna Takes on Rashidi Ellis Nov 1
    , Fri, 24 Oct 2025
  • When to stop a fight
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • AJ MANAS STUNS WORLD CHAMPION AS HOME HEROES DOMINATE LAST 16
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • NBA Daily: Spurs Dominate Mavs 125-92 Behind Wembanyama’s 40 in Season Opener
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • Herlan Gomez Faces Jason Moloney in Australia: A Battle of Youth vs Experience (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • GM Joey Antonio shares the lead in Italy World Seniors Chess Championships
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • Ronny Alvarez Shines with 5th Round TKO Victory Over Bruno Pola on DAZN
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • TICKETS ON SALE NOW AS FLORES FACES CORDINA IN STOCKTON SHOWDOWN
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • Teflon Promotions Presents: The Replay: The Volume 1 on Saturday November 22nd at  The 6th Man Center in Philadelphia
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • DAY TWO: CHUA CRASHES OUT AS MANAS MARCHES ON IN MANILA
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • Doncic equals Kobe's record in the Lakers' NBA season opener
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 21: THE RELATIONSHIP OF MUHAMMAD ALI AND JOE FRAZIER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Sumabong is new WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Happy Birthday Reymart Soledad!
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • October 30: Mary Spencer-Mikaela Mayer Super Welterweight Title Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel
    , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Pinoy chessers off to hot start in Italy World Senior Chess Championships
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Finalists for the WBC Grand Prix are Set
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Traya to fight again in Thailand on Oct. 25
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Texas super middleweight Darius Fulghum Preparing to get back in the title hunt
    , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Aaron Pryor honored on his 70th birthday anniversary
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • DUONG SUFFERS SHOCK EXIT AS GORST OPENS STRONG IN MANILA
    , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo makes a comeback in the Philippine Open
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 20 OCTOBER 2025: Danny Garcia KOs Daniel Gonzalez; Juarez Defeats Nery; Bormann Unifies Belt vs Kuroki
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.