Famous Puerto Rican Boxers

Félix Trinidad, known as "Tito," is a former Puerto Rican professional boxer who competed from 1990 to 2008. He held world championships in three weight classes, including the IBF welterweight, WBC and lineal welterweight, unified WBA and IBF light middleweight, and WBA middleweight titles. Trinidad had notable victories against Maurice Blocker, Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, and William Joppy. He was named Fighter of the Year in 2000 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014.

Miguel Ángel Cotto Vázquez is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer who competed from 2001 to 2017. He is a multiple-time world champion, the first Puerto Rican boxer to win world titles in four weight classes. Cotto evolved from a hard-hitting pressure fighter to a refined boxer-puncher. His career highlights include winning titles in light welterweight, welterweight, light middleweight, and middleweight divisions. Cotto faced notable opponents like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and Canelo Álvarez, leaving a lasting impact on the boxing world.

Wilfred "Wilfredo" Benítez is an American-born Puerto Rican former professional boxer and the youngest world champion in boxing history. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and aggressive fighting style, Benítez won three world titles in different weight divisions by the age of seventeen. Throughout his career, he engaged in memorable fights with boxing legends such as Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996, Benítez is regarded as one of the greatest Puerto Rican boxers alongside other notable figures in the sport.

Amanda Serrano is a highly accomplished professional boxer, mixed martial artist, and professional wrestler from Puerto Rico. She has achieved remarkable success in the boxing world, currently holding multiple world titles in various weight classes. Serrano is known for her historic accomplishments as the only female and Puerto Rican to win world titles in more than four weight classes. She has also received prestigious awards such as the Female Boxer of the Year and holds the Guinness World Record for the most boxing world championships won by a female.

Wilfredo Gómez Rivera, known as Bazooka Gómez, is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer and three-weight world champion. He is regarded as one of the best Puerto Rican boxers alongside other legends. Gómez holds the record for seventeen consecutive knockouts in championship defenses as a junior featherweight, a feat unmatched in any boxing division. His exceptional punching power earned him the 13th spot on The Ring magazine's list of the greatest punchers. In 1995, Gómez was rightfully inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Edgar Berlanga Jr. is a rising American professional boxer known for his explosive knockout power and impressive undefeated record. He has quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world by showcasing his exceptional skills in the ring. Berlanga's fighting style and relentless aggression have garnered attention from fans and experts alike. With each fight, he continues to solidify his reputation as a formidable force in the boxing community, with many eagerly anticipating his future matchups and potential title opportunities.

José Torres was a Puerto Rican-born professional boxer who achieved significant success in his career. He won a silver medal at the 1956 Olympic Games and later went on to become the WBC, WBA, and lineal light heavyweight champion by defeating Willie Pastrano in 1965. Torres trained under the guidance of legendary boxing trainer Cus D'Amato, further honing his skills. His remarkable accomplishments in the boxing world led to his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997, solidifying his legacy as a boxing great.

Juan Manuel López, also known as Juanma López, is a retired Puerto Rican professional boxer with a career spanning from 2005 to 2019. He achieved world champion status in two weight classes, holding the WBO junior featherweight title from 2008 to 2009 and the WBO featherweight title from 2010 to 2011. López showcased his prowess as a knockout artist during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Prior to turning professional, he represented Puerto Rico in various international competitions, including the Central American and Caribbean Games, Pan American Games, and the Olympics.

Subriel Matías is a Puerto Rican professional boxer known for holding the IBF junior welterweight title from February 2023 to June 2024. He is currently ranked as the fourth best active junior welterweight by The Ring and seventh by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board. Matías has garnered attention for his impressive skills and achievements in the boxing world. With his determination and hard work, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the sport and continues to make strides in his professional career.

Xander Zayas is a Puerto Rican professional boxer with a successful transition from his prolific amateur career. With over 130 bouts under his belt, he has showcased his talent and skill in the ring. Zayas has particularly excelled in national championship tournaments, clinching victories in eleven different tournaments, including the prestigious 2018 U.S. Youth National Championships. Known for his determination and technique, Zayas continues to make a name for himself in the world of professional boxing with his impressive performances.

Esteban de Jesús had a successful career as a world lightweight champion boxer from Puerto Rico. He made history by being the first boxer to defeat Roberto Durán as a professional, and also the only fighter to defeat Duran during his lightweight reign. De Jesús trained under the guidance of Gregorio Benitez, father of fellow boxer Wilfred Benítez. Despite his achievements in the ring, his professional life was marked by controversies, problems, and scandals that overshadowed his accomplishments.

Orlando Cruz is a Puerto Rican professional boxer known for his talent and determination in the ring. He has competed in numerous professional boxing matches, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport. Cruz has faced tough opponents throughout his career, demonstrating his resilience and tenacity as a boxer. With a background in representing Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympic Games, Cruz has continued to make a name for himself in the world of professional boxing with his impressive performances and unwavering passion for the sport.

Edwin "Chapo" Rosario Rivera was a highly skilled Puerto Rican professional boxer who achieved great success during his career, which spanned from 1979 to 1997. He was a world champion in two weight classes, holding titles such as the WBC lightweight title, the WBA lightweight title, and the WBA super lightweight title. Rosario's impressive achievements in the boxing ring solidified his legacy as a formidable and respected figure in the sport, leading to his posthumous induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006.

Carlos Ortiz, a legendary Puerto Rican boxer, achieved great success in the lightweight and light welterweight categories. He held world titles in both divisions and set a remarkable record with 10 wins in unified lightweight title bouts. Ortiz's exceptional skills and achievements in the boxing ring earned him a well-deserved place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Throughout his professional career, he demonstrated outstanding talent and determination, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of boxing.

Alberto Machado is a Puerto Rican professional boxer known for holding the WBA (Regular) super featherweight title from 2017 to 2019. With a remarkable ranking as the third best active super featherweight globally by The Ring magazine, the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and Boxrec in August 2018, Machado has showcased exceptional skills and determination in the boxing ring. His professional career reflects his dedication, talent, and success in the competitive world of boxing, earning him widespread recognition and respect among fans and experts alike.

Jason Sosa is a retired American professional boxer of Puerto Rican heritage. He gained recognition in the boxing world when he held the WBA (Regular) super featherweight title from 2016 to 2017. Throughout his career, Sosa showcased his skills and determination inside the ring, earning the respect of fans and fellow boxers alike. His time as a professional boxer was marked by numerous memorable fights and impressive performances, solidifying his reputation as a talented and resilient athlete in the sport of boxing.

Luis Resto is a former boxer based in The Bronx, New York, known for his involvement in a cheating scandal. Convicted in 1986, Resto was jailed for assault, possession of a weapon, and conspiracy after illegally altering his gloves in a match against Billy Collins Jr. This action resulted in Collins sustaining serious eye injuries, leading to permanent damage and the end of his boxing career. Resto's actions tarnished his reputation in the boxing world and led to significant consequences for both himself and his opponent.

Héctor "Macho" Camacho was a Puerto Rican professional boxer known for his quickness and flamboyant style. Competing from 1980 to 2010, he was a world champion in three weight classes, holding titles in super featherweight, lightweight, and junior welterweight divisions. Camacho won three New York Golden Gloves tournaments as an amateur before facing notable opponents in his professional career, including Roberto Durán, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio César Chávez, Félix Trinidad, and Oscar De La Hoya. He also expanded into entertainment, appearing on Spanish-language reality TV shows.

Kermit Cintrón is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer and online boxing writer. He had a successful career as a boxer, holding the IBF welterweight title from 2006 to 2008. He also had a shot at the WBC super welterweight title in 2011. Cintrón's skill and determination in the ring earned him recognition as a formidable contender in the boxing world. After retiring from boxing, he transitioned to writing about the sport, sharing his expertise and insights with boxing fans online.

Carlos Quintana had a successful professional boxing career, starting in 1997. He won the World Boxing Organization's Latino welterweight championship in 2006 by defeating Raul Bejerano. Quintana's first defense was against Joel Julio, which he won by unanimous decision, also claiming the World Boxing Council's Latino welterweight championship. Although he lost his first world title fight against Miguel Cotto in 2006, Quintana later won the WBO welterweight championship by defeating Paul Williams in 2008. He also secured the NABO Light Middleweight championship by knocking out Deandre Latimore.

Christopher Díaz Vélez is a professional boxer who has made a name for himself in the world of boxing. He has competed at both regional and international levels, including challenging for the WBO junior lightweight title in 2018. During his career, he held the WBO-NABO junior lightweight title from 2017 to 2018, showcasing his skills and determination in the ring. With a strong record and impressive performances, Christopher Díaz has proven himself to be a formidable force in the boxing world.

Sixto Escobar was a Puerto Rican professional boxer who competed in the bantamweight division. He became Puerto Rico's first world champion and was known for his successful career in the ring. Escobar started as an amateur boxer, with an impressive record, before turning professional in 1931. He moved to different locations to find opponents, eventually capturing the Montreal Athletic Commission World Bantamweight Title and unifying it with the International Boxing Union championship. After retiring, he worked as a spokesperson for beer companies before receiving posthumous recognitions and being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002.

Héctor "Machito" Camacho Herrera is an accomplished professional boxer and published writer residing in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. He began his professional boxing career at 18 years old and has achieved significant success in the sport. Throughout his career, he has won the World Boxing Council (WBC) Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Light Middleweight title multiple times. Camacho Jr. has established himself as a skilled and respected boxer with a notable track record of victories in the ring.

Emmanuel Rodríguez Vázquez is a highly accomplished Puerto Rican professional boxer known for holding the IBF bantamweight title twice between 2018 and 2024. He has also made a mark in the amateur boxing scene by winning a gold medal in the flyweight event at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics while representing Puerto Rico. As of July 2020, Rodríguez is ranked as the world's best active bantamweight by TBRB and holds high rankings by other prestigious boxing organizations such as The Ring and BoxRec.

Iván Calderón Marrero is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer who competed from 2001 to 2012. He was a two-weight world champion, holding the WBO mini flyweight title from 2003 to 2007 and the WBO, Ring magazine, and lineal light flyweight titles from 2007 to 2010. Calderón made a total of 17 successful defenses across both weight classes and his fight against Giovani Segura in August 2010 was recognized as the fight of the year by Ring magazine. He also represented Puerto Rico in international competitions as an amateur and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024.

José Pedraza González is a Puerto Rican professional boxer and former two-weight world champion. He has held various titles throughout his career, including the IBO super featherweight title in 2014, the IBF super featherweight title from 2015 to 2017, and the WBO lightweight title in 2018. With a successful amateur background representing Puerto Rico, Pedraza has won medals in prestigious international competitions. As of June 2021, he is ranked as the world's eighth best active super lightweight by BoxRec.

Cindy Serrano is a highly accomplished professional boxer with an impressive career spanning various weight classes. She has held multiple titles, including the WBO female featherweight title, and has challenged for several other prestigious titles throughout her career. Known for her skill and determination in the ring, Serrano has made a significant impact in women's boxing. Her achievements, along with her sister Amanda, have solidified their places in boxing history as the first sisters to hold world titles simultaneously from major sanctioning bodies.

Félix Verdejo Sánchez was a Puerto Rican professional boxer who competed for Top Rank between 2012 and 2020. He held the WBO Latino lightweight title from 2015 to 2017. Verdejo represented Puerto Rico at the 2012 Olympics as an amateur. In May 2021, he turned himself in to police to face federal charges related to the murder of his pregnant mistress. In 2023, Verdejo was found guilty of the crime and subsequently sentenced to life in prison.

Abner Cotto Román is a skilled Puerto Rican professional boxer competing in the lightweight division. With a successful amateur career representing Puerto Rico in international competitions, Cotto has achieved several national championships and recognitions. Notably, he secured the silver medal in his division at the 2007 Pan American Games. Transitioning to the professional circuit, Cotto has continued to showcase his talent and determination, establishing himself as a formidable presence in the boxing world with his impressive skills and achievements.

Román "Rocky" Martínez is a renowned Puerto Rican professional boxer who has had a successful career in the ring. He is a former WBO junior lightweight champion, holding the title three times over the span of 2009 to 2016. Martínez has demonstrated his skill and determination through numerous fights, establishing himself as a formidable force in the boxing world. His achievements as a champion reflect his dedication to the sport and his ability to overcome challenges in the ring.

Thomas Dulorme Cordero is a skilled Puerto Rican professional boxer known for his impressive career in the ring. He made a name for himself by challenging for the WBO light welterweight title in 2015, showcasing his determination and talent. Throughout his career, Dulorme has demonstrated his boxing prowess and determination to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. With his dedication and skill, he continues to be a respected figure in the world of professional boxing.

José Miguel Cotto Vázquez is a Puerto Rican professional boxer known for his successful career as a four-time regional level champion. Throughout his professional life, Cotto has showcased his exceptional skills and determination in the boxing ring. He has achieved significant success in the sport, earning praise for his technique and resilience. Cotto's dedication and hard work have made him a respected figure in the boxing world, and his achievements as a regional level champion have solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished athlete.

Jayson Vélez Jiménez is a Puerto Rican professional boxer known for his impressive career in the ring. He made a significant mark in the boxing world when he challenged for the IBF featherweight title in 2014. Vélez has showcased his skills and determination through numerous fights, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor. His professional journey has been defined by hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a respected figure in the sport of boxing.

Ossie Ocasio, known as "Jaws," had a successful boxing career, holding the World Cruiserweight Championship from 1982 to 1984. He was a Top Contender and Heavyweight Challenger, securing wins against notable opponents like Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Jimmy Young, and Pierre Coetzer. Ocasio also drew with future Heavyweight Champion Michael Dokes. His nickname, "Jaws," stemmed from an incident during a sparring session where he accidentally bit another boxer. Ocasio's career showcased his skill and competitiveness in the ring.

Juan Laporte, also known as Juan La Porte, is a former boxer from Guayama, Puerto Rico. In 1982, he won the WBC featherweight title by defeating Mario "Martillo" Miranda. Over his 22-year career, Laporte faced legendary fighters such as Salvador Sanchez, Eusebio Pedroza, Azumah Nelson, Wilfredo Gomez, Barry McGuigan, Kostya Tszyu, and Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. He retired in 1999 with a record of 40–16, known for engaging in competitive and sometimes controversial matches against top opponents.

Wilfredo Vázquez Olivera is a retired professional boxer from Puerto Rico. He had a successful career spanning from 1981 to 2002, during which he held world championships in three different weight classes. Vázquez achieved notable victories, including holding the WBA bantamweight title from 1987 to 1988, the WBA super bantamweight title from 1992 to 1995, and the WBA and lineal featherweight titles from 1996 to 1998. His accomplishments solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished boxer.

McWilliams Arroyo Acevedo is a Puerto Rican professional boxer known for his achievements in the flyweight division. He has held the WBC interim flyweight title since February 2021 and has previously challenged for various world titles in the past, including the IBF flyweight title in 2014, and the WBC and Ring magazine flyweight titles in 2016. Arroyo has a successful amateur background, representing Puerto Rico in numerous international events before transitioning to the professional boxing circuit.

John John Molina, also known as Juan Molina, achieved great success as a professional boxer, becoming a multiple time world champion. His career in boxing was highly regarded and he gained recognition worldwide for his skills in the ring. Molina's accomplishments transcended the sport as he became a prominent figure in Puerto Rico and was known for his social presence. Hailing from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Molina's impact on the boxing world and society at large left a lasting legacy.

Prichard Colón Meléndez is a former professional boxer known for his achievements in the ring, including being an honorary WBC World Champion and winning a gold medal at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championship. His career took a tragic turn after a match in 2015 left him with a severe brain injury, resulting in a coma that lasted 221 days. Despite the challenges he faced, Colón has shown remarkable resilience and determination in his road to recovery, now focusing on physiotherapy and communication through technology.

Ada "Ace" Vélez is a highly accomplished Puerto Rican professional boxer based in Florida. Trained by former world champion Bonnie Canino, Vélez made history by becoming the first native Puerto Rican to win a women's world boxing championship. Throughout her career, she has held multiple titles in different weight classes and has faced formidable opponents in the ring. With a record of 20 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws, Vélez is known for her tenacity and skill inside the boxing ring. Currently, she shares her expertise by teaching boxing to individuals of all ages at Velez Boxing and Fitness in Oakland Park, Florida.