Tweet
By Jason Probst (March 17, 2005)
See More MaxTV Videos
It's good to be a member
10. Genaro Hernandez, 1991-1995, 1997-1998, 11 defenses, 38-2-1 (17 KO)
Not flashy, just workmanlike and blue-collar. Hernandez made 11 defenses over two reigns. At 5'11, he was a good infighter despite his frail appearance and he had a good chin and smarts. Defeated an aging Azumah Nelson in 1997 for his second reign, which came to an end when weight and Floyd Mayweather Jr. caught up to him, although Mayweather proved so superior Hernandez' weight problems may have not mattered. Also a class act outside the ring and respected by boxing fans for his all-around ability.
9. Sammy Serrano, 1976-1980, 1981-1983, 13 defenses, 45-1-3 (21 KO)
Built to go 15 rounds, Serrano went the route several times in his reign. Had good conditioning and lacked a big punch, but managed to outpoint good foes like Mario Martinez and Ben Villaflor (they drew in their first fight). Regained title in 1981 from Yasutsune Uehara, who'd taken it from him the year previous. Finally removed from the throne by power-punching Roger Mayweather in 1983.
8. Brian Mitchell - 1986-1991, 13 defenses, 45-1-3 (21 KO)
Also workmanlike and devoid of flash, Mitchell was a superbly conditioned fighter who lacked a big punch but made up for it with savvy, workrate, and durability. Toiled largely in overseas obscurity after stopping Alfredo Layne in South Africa to win crown, but capped off reign with two good showings against the capable Tony Lopez in unification bouts, getting a draw and a win. Won comeback bouts in 1994 and 1995 before retiring for good.
Best performance was second fight with Lopez that saw Mitchell bring everything together, out hustling "The Tiger" en route to a career-defining unanimous decision.
7. Flash Elorde, 1960-1967, 10 defenses, 88-27-2 (33 KO)
Made 10 defenses of title, and probably the most highly regarded Filipino boxer in history. Elorde came along at a time when talent ran deep at feather and lightweight - he split two fights with featherweight killer Sandy Saddler before winning the 130 crown, and late in his reign tangled with top lightweights like Carlos Ortiz (losing twice via 14th round TKO), while decisioning slick-boxing Ismael Laguna.
6. Kid Chocolate - 1931-1933, 1 defense, 135-10-6 (50 KO)
Smooth Cuban could do it all - box or punch - and held wins over quality foes like Benny Bass, Al Singer and took two of three versus Fidel LaBarba. Defended 130-lb. crown just once before losing to Frankie Klick. One of the ten greatest featherweights of all time, and defeated several good lightweights while shuffling between divisions.
5. Azumah Nelson, 1988-1994, 1995-1997, 11 defenses, 39-5-2 (28 kayos)
Known as "The Professor," Nelson burst on the scene in 1982, where as a late substitute he gave living legend Salvador Sanchez a tough scrap before falling in the fifteenth round for the WBC featherweight title. Nelson later took that title, then moved up to 130 without missing a beat. Clever, calculating, and packing a walloping punch, Nelson adjusted over the years as his legs and reflexes faded, using guile and tactics to turn back very good fighters who were a decade or more his junior.
Also equipped with a solid chin, Nelson battled the best of two generations of feather and 130-lb. fighters, and in a dogfight was a scary dude to lock horns with.
After escaping with a disputed draw in their first match, Nelson ventured Down Under to battle Jeff Fenech in Australia. After suffering from the aftereffects of malaria and an injured elbow, a healthy Nelson broke Fenech down early, dominating the fight before savagely beating the game Fenech into a brutal stoppage in the eighth round.
4. Floyd Mayweather Jr., 1998-2001, 8 defenses, 33-0 (22 KO)
Dominated a solid champ in Genaro Hernandez to take the title, and followed up with defenses against Angel Manfredy, Diego Corrales, Jesus Chavez, Goyo Vargas, and other quality foes. Brilliant reflexes and sound boxing, coupled with stellar defense, made him one of the trickiest champs ever at this weight. Look at guys like Famoso Hernandez, Diego Corrales, or Jose Luis Castillo - all of them have gone on to make names for themselves against the other top fighters in the game after losing to Mayweather.
3. Julio Cesar Chavez, 1984-1988, 9 defenses, 107-5-2 (87 KO)
A precision machine, Chavez took apart opponents with a seamless blend of calculated aggression and timing, backed up with a good defense and a concrete chin. At 130 lbs, had more power than at higher weights, and used a dominant reign there to spring up to 135 and 140, where he tackled the biggest names and waged classic fights.
Though remembered as a Mexican slugger, Chavez' penchant for picking off punches and countering astutely in close separated him from the stereotypical south-of-the-border pugilists. And his body punching - particularly the left hook to the midsection - was a thing of crippling beauty. At 130 pounds and over 15 rounds, it'd take a great one to beat him.
2. Sandy Saddler, 1949-1957, 2 defenses, 144-16-2 (103 KO)
Saddler's reign at 130 was largely an afterthought as he battled Willie Pep four times, the crown changing hands in three fights, but at 130 was every bit as destructive and imposing as he was at feather. Saddler didn't just beat good fighters at 130 - he destroyed them. In 1950, made his sole defense against a name challenger at 130, taking out contender Lauro Salas in nine. Saddler served in the Army from 1952-1954, before returning to the ring. He retired due to eye injuries from a car accident in 1957. Many believed he could've won the lightweight title if he'd decided to move to 135.
1. Alexis Arguello, 1978-1980, 8 defenses, 82-8 (65 KO)
A potent knockout machine with formidable power, patience, and stamina, Arguello may have been his best at 130, where he had a bit more strength compared to featherweight and retained his crushing punch. Arguello didn't just turn back good fighters - he gave them savage beatings. Took title in bloody 13th round stoppage of tough Alfredo Escalera in 1978. Arguello then defended against solid challengers like Bazooka Limon (KO 11), Bobby Chacon (KO 7), Roland Navarrete (KO 5), Escalera (KO 13) and Cornelius Boza-Edwards (KO 8). Most of those fighters would be belt holders today or in any other recent era, and Arguello's dominance is why he's tops on this list, along
with his excellent performances at higher weights.
Just missing the cut…
The fighters on this list would've likely ranked higher if they'd fought in the division more often, or stayed longer, or just done a little bit more. In many cases, pugilists from decades ago fought when the 130-lb. Division was considered a fringe title and therefore used it as a steppingstone toward glory in the feather or lightweight divisions.
Alfredo Escalera, 1975-1978, 10 defenses, 53-14-3 (31 KO)
A good string of defenses, but Escalera's most notable win – Tyrone Everett - was one of the most outrageous decisions in memory. Waged two good wars with Arguello, losing both, but didn't have much in the way of name defenses on his ledger.
Arturo Gatti, 1996-1997, 3 defenses
In terms of excitement, he ranks at the top of the list. Weight problems eventually brought an end to his reign, but classic wars against Wilson Rodriguez and Gabriel Ruelas complemented two wins over quality boxer Tracy Harris Patterson. Extremely strong at 130 pounds, but defensive deficiencies and struggles making weight may have made him too prone to knockdowns and cuts to compete with other guys on the list. Would be a long underdog against top notchers like Chavez and Arguello, but you'd probably want to see him fight those guys before a lot of other people in all-time matchups anyway, because Gatti created drama, win or lose.
See More MaxTV Videos
It's good to be a member
10. Genaro Hernandez, 1991-1995, 1997-1998, 11 defenses, 38-2-1 (17 KO)
Not flashy, just workmanlike and blue-collar. Hernandez made 11 defenses over two reigns. At 5'11, he was a good infighter despite his frail appearance and he had a good chin and smarts. Defeated an aging Azumah Nelson in 1997 for his second reign, which came to an end when weight and Floyd Mayweather Jr. caught up to him, although Mayweather proved so superior Hernandez' weight problems may have not mattered. Also a class act outside the ring and respected by boxing fans for his all-around ability.
9. Sammy Serrano, 1976-1980, 1981-1983, 13 defenses, 45-1-3 (21 KO)
Built to go 15 rounds, Serrano went the route several times in his reign. Had good conditioning and lacked a big punch, but managed to outpoint good foes like Mario Martinez and Ben Villaflor (they drew in their first fight). Regained title in 1981 from Yasutsune Uehara, who'd taken it from him the year previous. Finally removed from the throne by power-punching Roger Mayweather in 1983.
8. Brian Mitchell - 1986-1991, 13 defenses, 45-1-3 (21 KO)
Also workmanlike and devoid of flash, Mitchell was a superbly conditioned fighter who lacked a big punch but made up for it with savvy, workrate, and durability. Toiled largely in overseas obscurity after stopping Alfredo Layne in South Africa to win crown, but capped off reign with two good showings against the capable Tony Lopez in unification bouts, getting a draw and a win. Won comeback bouts in 1994 and 1995 before retiring for good.
Best performance was second fight with Lopez that saw Mitchell bring everything together, out hustling "The Tiger" en route to a career-defining unanimous decision.
7. Flash Elorde, 1960-1967, 10 defenses, 88-27-2 (33 KO)
Made 10 defenses of title, and probably the most highly regarded Filipino boxer in history. Elorde came along at a time when talent ran deep at feather and lightweight - he split two fights with featherweight killer Sandy Saddler before winning the 130 crown, and late in his reign tangled with top lightweights like Carlos Ortiz (losing twice via 14th round TKO), while decisioning slick-boxing Ismael Laguna.
6. Kid Chocolate - 1931-1933, 1 defense, 135-10-6 (50 KO)
Smooth Cuban could do it all - box or punch - and held wins over quality foes like Benny Bass, Al Singer and took two of three versus Fidel LaBarba. Defended 130-lb. crown just once before losing to Frankie Klick. One of the ten greatest featherweights of all time, and defeated several good lightweights while shuffling between divisions.
5. Azumah Nelson, 1988-1994, 1995-1997, 11 defenses, 39-5-2 (28 kayos)
Known as "The Professor," Nelson burst on the scene in 1982, where as a late substitute he gave living legend Salvador Sanchez a tough scrap before falling in the fifteenth round for the WBC featherweight title. Nelson later took that title, then moved up to 130 without missing a beat. Clever, calculating, and packing a walloping punch, Nelson adjusted over the years as his legs and reflexes faded, using guile and tactics to turn back very good fighters who were a decade or more his junior.
Also equipped with a solid chin, Nelson battled the best of two generations of feather and 130-lb. fighters, and in a dogfight was a scary dude to lock horns with.
After escaping with a disputed draw in their first match, Nelson ventured Down Under to battle Jeff Fenech in Australia. After suffering from the aftereffects of malaria and an injured elbow, a healthy Nelson broke Fenech down early, dominating the fight before savagely beating the game Fenech into a brutal stoppage in the eighth round.
4. Floyd Mayweather Jr., 1998-2001, 8 defenses, 33-0 (22 KO)
Dominated a solid champ in Genaro Hernandez to take the title, and followed up with defenses against Angel Manfredy, Diego Corrales, Jesus Chavez, Goyo Vargas, and other quality foes. Brilliant reflexes and sound boxing, coupled with stellar defense, made him one of the trickiest champs ever at this weight. Look at guys like Famoso Hernandez, Diego Corrales, or Jose Luis Castillo - all of them have gone on to make names for themselves against the other top fighters in the game after losing to Mayweather.
3. Julio Cesar Chavez, 1984-1988, 9 defenses, 107-5-2 (87 KO)
A precision machine, Chavez took apart opponents with a seamless blend of calculated aggression and timing, backed up with a good defense and a concrete chin. At 130 lbs, had more power than at higher weights, and used a dominant reign there to spring up to 135 and 140, where he tackled the biggest names and waged classic fights.
Though remembered as a Mexican slugger, Chavez' penchant for picking off punches and countering astutely in close separated him from the stereotypical south-of-the-border pugilists. And his body punching - particularly the left hook to the midsection - was a thing of crippling beauty. At 130 pounds and over 15 rounds, it'd take a great one to beat him.
2. Sandy Saddler, 1949-1957, 2 defenses, 144-16-2 (103 KO)
Saddler's reign at 130 was largely an afterthought as he battled Willie Pep four times, the crown changing hands in three fights, but at 130 was every bit as destructive and imposing as he was at feather. Saddler didn't just beat good fighters at 130 - he destroyed them. In 1950, made his sole defense against a name challenger at 130, taking out contender Lauro Salas in nine. Saddler served in the Army from 1952-1954, before returning to the ring. He retired due to eye injuries from a car accident in 1957. Many believed he could've won the lightweight title if he'd decided to move to 135.
1. Alexis Arguello, 1978-1980, 8 defenses, 82-8 (65 KO)
A potent knockout machine with formidable power, patience, and stamina, Arguello may have been his best at 130, where he had a bit more strength compared to featherweight and retained his crushing punch. Arguello didn't just turn back good fighters - he gave them savage beatings. Took title in bloody 13th round stoppage of tough Alfredo Escalera in 1978. Arguello then defended against solid challengers like Bazooka Limon (KO 11), Bobby Chacon (KO 7), Roland Navarrete (KO 5), Escalera (KO 13) and Cornelius Boza-Edwards (KO 8). Most of those fighters would be belt holders today or in any other recent era, and Arguello's dominance is why he's tops on this list, along
with his excellent performances at higher weights.
Just missing the cut…
The fighters on this list would've likely ranked higher if they'd fought in the division more often, or stayed longer, or just done a little bit more. In many cases, pugilists from decades ago fought when the 130-lb. Division was considered a fringe title and therefore used it as a steppingstone toward glory in the feather or lightweight divisions.
Alfredo Escalera, 1975-1978, 10 defenses, 53-14-3 (31 KO)
A good string of defenses, but Escalera's most notable win – Tyrone Everett - was one of the most outrageous decisions in memory. Waged two good wars with Arguello, losing both, but didn't have much in the way of name defenses on his ledger.
Arturo Gatti, 1996-1997, 3 defenses
In terms of excitement, he ranks at the top of the list. Weight problems eventually brought an end to his reign, but classic wars against Wilson Rodriguez and Gabriel Ruelas complemented two wins over quality boxer Tracy Harris Patterson. Extremely strong at 130 pounds, but defensive deficiencies and struggles making weight may have made him too prone to knockdowns and cuts to compete with other guys on the list. Would be a long underdog against top notchers like Chavez and Arguello, but you'd probably want to see him fight those guys before a lot of other people in all-time matchups anyway, because Gatti created drama, win or lose.
Comment