Philippines, 03 Mar 2026
  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:

  • “Prince” Albert Pagara Flies to Perth for WBC Australasia Title Fight
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 02 Mar 2026
  • Ryan Daye vows a dominant standout performance in WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth Thunderdome 53
    , Mon, 02 Mar 2026
  • Moncal, Mag-aso rule Legacy Run
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 02 Mar 2026
  • Lavant Brownlee Earns Gold, Lorenzo Patricio Earns Silver at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Mon, 02 Mar 2026
  • Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Disputes hometown decision for NBA Americas Featherweight title
    , Mon, 02 Mar 2026
  • HALL OF FAMER WINKY WRIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
    , Mon, 02 Mar 2026
  • Reyes Siblings New Champions in US chess tourney
    , Mon, 02 Mar 2026
  • Lorenzo Parra Delivers Stunning Second-Round Knockout at Sold-Out Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
    , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • Almacen Bros Score Knockout Wins in Exciting Brico Santig Show in Thailand Live on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • Lorenzo Patricio and Lavant Brownlee Advance to Gold Medal Round in Bulgaria
    , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • HALL OF FAMER TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. TO RETURN TO CANASTOTA FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND
    , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • Paras stops Abcede in 2nd round
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • Undefeated Welterweight Ruben Aguilar Stops Luis Lopez in Eight Brutal Rounds in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington
    , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • Patricio, Brownlee and Awinongya Enter Medal Rounds on Day Five of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • IM Arca finishes in eight place in Pacquiao chess; NM Ilar pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • DC Half Marathon on March 8 at Freedom Park
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • Athletics Festival Season 4 on March 21-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026
  • Nuñez vs Navarrete: Knuckle Up for a Certified Banger
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • ‘There's no way I'm going to lose’ -- Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    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
    © 2026 philboxing.com.