Wilfredo Vazquez

Biography

Wilfredo Vázquez, affectionately known as "El Orgullo de Puerto Rico," carved out a remarkable professional boxing career spanning over two decades. Born on August 2, 1960, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Vázquez began his journey in the sport with a modest amateur record of 14-3. On January 29, 1981, he turned professional, debuting against William Ramos in Trujillo Alto. Despite a rocky start with a points loss in his first bout, Vázquez quickly rebounded and embarked on a career that would see him become one of Puerto Rico's most celebrated fighters.

Vázquez's rise to prominence was marked by resilience and determination. After early stumbles, he earned his first world title opportunity on February 8, 1986, challenging Miguel Lora for the WBC bantamweight title but falling short via unanimous decision. Undeterred, he captured his first world championship on October 4, 1987, defeating Park Chan-young via a tenth-round TKO to claim the WBA bantamweight title. This victory was the beginning of an illustrious career as a three-division world champion. Over the years, Vázquez added the WBA super bantamweight and featherweight titles to his collection, cementing his legacy as one of the few fighters to achieve such a feat.

Throughout his career, Vázquez shared the ring with several world-class opponents. Notable among them was his clash with Hall of Famer Orlando Canizales in 1995. While he lost the bout via unanimous decision, it underscored his willingness to face elite competition. His title defences were equally impressive; he successfully retained his belts against formidable challengers like Raúl Pérez and Juan Polo Pérez during his reigns in different weight classes. Known for his power and technical skill, Vázquez secured many of his victories by knockout, with 41 of his 56 wins coming via stoppage.

Vázquez's career longevity was extraordinary. He fought professionally for over 21 years before retiring on October 11, 2002. His final bout took place in Bayamón, where he fittingly concluded his career with a second-round knockout victory over Eddy Saenz. This victory encapsulated the fighting spirit that defined him throughout his career. Vázquez retired with an impressive record of 56 wins (41 by KO), nine losses, and two draws.

Today, Wilfredo Vázquez remains a revered figure in Puerto Rican boxing history. His achievements as a three-division world champion and his enduring dedication to the sport have earned him a lasting place among the greats of boxing.