Antonio Esparragoza

Antonio Esparragoza Betancourt (born September 2, 1959) is the former WBA Featherweight Champion of the World, from Venezuela.

Antonio Esparragoza
Statistics
Real nameAntonio Esparragoza
Weight(s)Featherweight
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
NationalityVenezuelan
Born(1959-09-02)September 2, 1959
CumanĂ¡, Venezuela
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights36
Wins30
Wins by KO27
Losses2
Draws4
No contests0

Amateur career

Esparragoza represented Venezuela as a Featherweight at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. Below are the results from that tournament:

  • Round of 64: bye
  • Round of 32: lost to Peter Hanlon (Great Britain) by decision, 1-4

Professional career

Esparragoza turned pro in 1981 and after largely fighting unproven fighters in his native Venezuela was granted a shot at Lineal & WBA Featherweight Titles holder Steve Cruz in 1987. Esparragoza pulled off an upset with a TKO in the 12th round. Esparragoza defended the titles against seven contenders before losing the belts to Yong-Kyun Park in 1991 via unanimous decision. He retired after the loss.

Due to his incredible knockout power, Esparragoza is ranked at 75 in Ring Magazine's list of 100 Greatest Punchers.

See also

References

Achievements
Preceded by
Steve Cruz
WBA Featherweight Champion
March 6, 1987 - March 30, 1991
Succeeded by
Park Yong-kyun
The Ring featherweight champion
March 6, 1987 - 1990
Title discontinued until 2002
Vacant
Title next held by
Marco Antonio Barrera
Lineal Featherweight Champion
March 6, 1987 - March 30, 1991
Succeeded by
Park Yong-kyun


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