Now that Jung Koo Chang has deservedly been inducted into the IBHOF, I feel it is time the Panamanian great Hilario Zapata deserves to be inducted as well.
Some of my reasons:
a) Was the first fighter to defeat Jung Koo Chang.
b) Held the WBC 108 pound title two years and defended it 8 successfully times.
c) Defeated 10 former world champions-Chang, Alfonso Lopez, Freddy Castillo, Shigeo Nakajima, Joey Olivo, German Torres, Tadashi Tomori, Juan Polo Perez, Santos Laciar, and Dodie Boy Penalosa.
d) Held three world titles in two divisions-WBC 108 title twice and WBA 112 pound title.
e) Made 15 successful title defenses total-10 at 108 and 5 at 112.
f) Fought every major 108 and 112 pound fighter of his era.
I believe these accomplishments deserve induction on its own merit. Inside the ring he was a defensive wizard and a crafty southpaw. One of the most underrated fighters of his time.
Some of my reasons:
a) Was the first fighter to defeat Jung Koo Chang.
b) Held the WBC 108 pound title two years and defended it 8 successfully times.
c) Defeated 10 former world champions-Chang, Alfonso Lopez, Freddy Castillo, Shigeo Nakajima, Joey Olivo, German Torres, Tadashi Tomori, Juan Polo Perez, Santos Laciar, and Dodie Boy Penalosa.
d) Held three world titles in two divisions-WBC 108 title twice and WBA 112 pound title.
e) Made 15 successful title defenses total-10 at 108 and 5 at 112.
f) Fought every major 108 and 112 pound fighter of his era.
I believe these accomplishments deserve induction on its own merit. Inside the ring he was a defensive wizard and a crafty southpaw. One of the most underrated fighters of his time.
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