CHICAGO — It’s been 10 years since the unofficial end of Julio Cesar Chavez’s career — the night he lost to Oscar De La Hoya for the second time, Sept. 18, 1998.
No sooner had Chavez exited the ring in defeat than boxing fans began wondering who would be the next great Mexican fighter.
So who has been the greatest fighter south of the border, post-Chavez? An examination.
Next In Line
5. Antonio Margarito: Considering Margarito posted the greatest win of his career — an 11th round knockout of Miguel Cotto — less than two months ago, it’s hard to believe the “Tijuana Tornado” has been a pro since 1994 and a world-class 147-pounder since 2000. His victims have included Antonio Diaz, Andrew Lewis, Kermit Cintron and Joshua Clottey. But it was the Cotto fight that marked the WBA welterweight champ’s arrival as a Mexican superstar. He is perhaps the hottest fighter in boxing right now, and though he is 30 years old — an advanced age for a lighter-weight fighter –?he is in the midst of his prime. His future is potentially sensational and, like Chavez, he is a destroyer. Also like Chavez, he will be very difficult to beat. Record: 37-5 (27 KOs).
4. Jose Luis Castillo: Castillo’s historical standing would be better had “El Temible” not been shafted by the judges on April 20, 2002. That was the night Floyd Mayweather edged Castillo on a very questionable split decision. Still, the native of Sonora made quite the impression on the sport during his prime — most notably in 2005 when he and Diego Corrales waged an all-time great war. He owns wins over Stevie Johnston, Juan Lazcano, Joel Casamayor, Julio Diaz and Corrales, and scored three belts at lightweight. Record: 56-9-1 (48 KOs).
3. Erik Morales: Boxing fans will argue over who is the better fighter — Morales or Marco Antonio Barrera — forever. And, really, there is little to choose between them. Tijuana ‘s “El Terrible” won titles at 122, 126 and 130 pounds and beat Barrera, Daniel Zaragoza, Junior Jones, Wayne McCullough, Kevin Kelley, Paulie Ayala, Jesus Chavez and, in the last great victory, Manny Pacquiao. His wars with Barrera may well be the best trilogy in boxing history ? the first and third particularly vicious. Like Ali and Frazier, the pair will forever be linked. Record: 48-6 (34 KOs).
Top two
2. Marco Antonio Barrera: Unlike Morales, who always favored a straight-ahead, aggressive approach — Barrera was versatile. Mexico City ‘s “Baby Faced Assassin” could box as well as punch, as evidenced in his signature, career-best performance over “Prince” Naseem Hamed in 2001. Barrera also won titles at 122, 126 and 130, and recorded wins over Kennedy McKinney, Hamed, Morales, Johnny Tapia, Robbie Peden, Rocky Juarez and Ayala. It is his two victories over Morales that give him a slight edge over his rival. Record: 63-6 (42 KOs ).
1. Ricardo Lopez: True, “Finito” was toward the end of his career when Chavez went out in 1998. But he still had his greatest victory left in him, a thrilling 12-round decision over Rosendo Alvarez. He fought three more times and finished with a record of 51-0-1 (38 KOs), winning titles in two weight divisions and reigning as WBC strawweight champion for eight years and 22 defenses. He beat Saman Sorjaturong, Alex Sanchez, Alvarez, and Will Grigsby, and was one of the few boxers to ever retire unbeaten. One of the all-time greats.
