Puerto Rico is one of the true global hotbeds of boxing. It has a people who absolutely cherish the sport, and devote themselves to their fighters in a way in which few other countries compare. But when we break down the country by our grading criteria for the Boxing World Cup, how will it fare? Let’s take a look!
Today’s Pro Fighters
Professional boxing in Puerto Rico right now is in a transition period. Only recently, the nearly unimaginable had been achieved, the sport lacking a single Puerto Rican titleholder across any weight division and/or sanctioning body.
Miguel Cotto instantly restored the country’s luster though with his earthshaking victory over middleweight champion Sergio Martinez. Meanwhile, the left for dead Juan Manuel Lopez continues his attempt to reclaim a portion of his old aura. Contenders are in no short supply in the lighter weight classes, including Rocky Martinez, Thomas Dulorme, and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.
The next crop of stars is on the cusp – Felix Verdejo seems to all the world as a can’t miss, with Jose Pedraza and Jose Lopez amongst other A-listers who are emerging.
Points: 3/5
Fans and Venues
As mentioned, Puerto Rican fight fans are as rabid and dedicated as any you’ll find across the world. They love the sport, and they love their fighters. Become a star in Puerto Rico, particularly one with the level of charisma and attitude which they most cherish, e.g., Felix Trinidad, and you’ll be a beloved icon for eternity.
Small fights and club cards are frequently held, rowdy and well attended. The Coliseo de Puerto Rico, Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez, and Coliseo Roberte Clemente are all big-fight hosts. The one detractor is that most of the big names will depart for greener pastures stateside or elsewhere once they’re at the world level, only returning from time to time for a homecoming fight.
Points: 5/5
Amateur System
Puerto Rico has a solid amateur system which routinely gets fighters to the Olympics and the top of the international championship circuit. Yet, the island nation hasn’t won an Olympic medal in boxing since 1996, despite all of those current big-name prospects, and past top champions who were developed through the Puerto Rican amateur scene.
Let’s not forget though, Puerto Rico’s population is less than 1% of the USA’s, and they typically only have a small contingent of fighters representing them.
Points: 3/5
Professional System
There’s a bevy of busy gyms where tough competition and sparring can be found across the island. Many of the country’s top fighters are developed and trained by family members, from fathers to uncles. Many of these relationships though either become fractured, lead to an eventual departure as the fighter seeks more refined training elsewhere, or both.
Certainly not a plus when Cotto declares he was hindered by sticking with his uncle in his corner, and subsequently moves on to score the win of his career under the tutelage of Freddie Roach. On the other hand, a positive is when one of the country’s boxing legends, Ivan Calderon, begins training fighters, as he has been doing as of late.
Points: 2/5
History & Significance
Baseball and boxing are the absolutes in Puerto Rico. Which one you rank where may depend on your family or neighborhood, but both are nearly universally loved. And again, the passion and dedication of its fans is hard to match.
The history of boxing on the island is also storied. Legends like Carlos Ortiz, Wilfredo Gomez, Trinidad, Wilfred Benitez, Hector Camacho, Calderon and so many others have proudly toted the Puerto Rican flag into the ring. The ongoing rivalry between Mexico, along with the individual rivalries and series that the aforementioned fighters had with their contemporaries, are both prominent and fondly recalled.
Points: 5/5
Pound for Pound Top 20
Miguel Cotto is currently ranked at number 11 pound for pound, but otherwise Puerto Rico is shut out of the top 20. Danny Garcia is of Puerto Rican descent, but American born and raised.
Bonus Points: 1
Overall Boxing World Cup Score for Puerto Rico: 19 points
