Why is Puerto Rico vs Mexico such a big deal?

[Jsmooth9876]

Me, being neither of these nationalities, have always wondered why this rivalry is such a huge deal in boxing?
Where did it start exactly? Is there a fight or fights that got the whole thing going or is it some other reason?

[Mr.Fantastic]

Both places love boxing.

[FrankieClutch]

Both places love boxing.

This, both are very passionate about the sport

[microMXL]

most of the time those give awesome fights.

[1hourRun]

It began in 1978 for the WBC World super bantamweight title: Wilfred Gomez (PR) vs. Carlos Zarate (MX).

Both fighters were over 124lbs on first attempt at scales. Zarate had to make four trips to make 122lbs. Gomez knocked down Zarate twice in the fourth round, the second knockdown coming after the bell had sounded. Referee Harry Gibbs stopped the fight when Zarate was dropped again in the fifth and the Mexican corner threw in the towel.

[Don Pichardo]

all the above. Then throw in immense nationalistic pride. Fighters have to go back to their countries after the fight. To hold their head up they got to give it their all.
In the case of Puerto Rico. Post fight parades shut the country down. Parties are thrown and the governor declares the following Monday a day off(at least before the economic downturn). Boxers are revered.

So when both these countries go at it its fireworks. Over the decades it evolved into a rivalry. It's to the fans benefit. The only let down was was de la Hoya vs Trinidad. Do t get me started on Oscar. I never forgave him for being such a girl.