Mexico–Puerto Rico boxing rivalry

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The rivalry between Puerto Rican and Mexican boxers is recognized as one of the most intense in boxing history. [1] Originating in 1934, this rivalry has been watched by fans across multiple generations. Over the years, both nations have raised numerous fighters who have competed in boxing matches against each other including Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, and Hector Camacho. It has said to have started when Sixto Escobar became the first Puerto Rican champion by knocking out Mexican champion Rodolfo "Baby" Casanova. [2]

In world title matches, Puerto Rican boxers hold a slight statistical advantage over their Mexican rivals, [3] with Puerto Rico achieving 87 wins compared to Mexico with 76 wins. The most recent matchups resulted in Mexico’s Nunez defeating Puerto Rican Diaz on 9/6/2025 and Mexican American Anthony Olascuaga defeating Puerto Rico’s Juan Carlos Camacho.

Most Recent Championship Fights Puerto Rico vs. Mexico

DateWinnerOpponentResultTitleWinning Side
2025-07-27 Eduardo Nunez Christopher Diaz UD12IBF 126Mexico 74-87
2025-07-27 Xander Zayas Jorge GarciaUD12WBO 154Puerto Rico 87-73
2025-03-29 Oscar Collazo Edwin CanoKO5WBA, WBO, The Ring 105Puerto Rico 86-73
2024-09-14 Canelo Alvarez Edgar Berlanga UD12Undisputed 168Mexico 73-85
2023-08-26 Oscar Collazo Melvin JerusalemTKO7WBO 105Puerto Rico 84-72
2023-05-27 Oscar Collazo Garen DiaganTKO6WBO 105Puerto Rico 83-72
2021-07-21 Johnathan Gonzalez Elwin Soto TKO5WBO 108Puerto Rico 82-72
2021-04-24 Emanuel Navarrete Christopher Diaz TKO12WBO 126Mexico 72-81
2021-07-21 McWilliams Arroyo Abraham RodriguezSD12WBC 112Puerto Rico 81-71

References

  1. Kevin Baxter (2008-07-15). "This rivalry packs real punch." LA Times. Retrieved 2024-12-12
  2. "The Rivalry: Mexico vs. Puerto Rico". Frontproof Media. 2015-11-20. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
  3. Fischer, Doug (2015-11-17). "The Rivalry: Mexico vs. Puerto Rico". The Ring. Retrieved 2024-09-19.