Venezuela has produced some of the greatest boxers of all time. These men have achieved a great deal in their boxing careers and have represented their country proudly.
From the legendary Edwin Valero to the current undisputed welterweight champion of the world, Jorge Linares, these boxers have made their mark in the world of boxing. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best boxers from Venezuela and explore their careers.
We will also examine the unique culture of boxing in Venezuela.
1. Carlos Cañizales
Carlos Antonio Cañizales Civira is a Venezuelan professional boxer who has made a name for himself in the world of boxing. He has been a world champion since 2018 when he won the WBA light flyweight title.
Since then, he has defended his title successfully and held it until 2021. He is a true champion in the ring, having earned numerous awards and accolades for his impressive performances.
His impressive record of victories has earned him respect and admiration from the boxing community. He is considered to be one of the best flyweight boxers in the world, and his name is well-known among boxing fans.
His career has been an inspiration to many aspiring boxers, and he continues to demonstrate strength and skill in the ring.
2. Edwin Valero
Edwin Valero was one of the most successful professional boxers of the early 21st century. He was born and raised in Venezuela, where he began his career in 2002.
Over the course of his eight-year career, he became one of the few fighters to ever become an undefeated world champion in two different weight classes. From 2006 to 2008, Valero held the WBA super featherweight title, and from 2009 to 2010, he held the WBC lightweight title.
Valero’s record of 27 wins, with 25 of them being by way of knockout, is a testament to his skill and power in the ring. He was also known for his aggressive and relentless style of fighting, which made him a fan favorite.
Although his career was tragically cut short in 2010, Valero will always be remembered as one of the greatest boxers of his era.
3. Alexander Muñoz
Alexander Muñoz is a professional boxer from Venezuela who has had an illustrious career. He has twice been the WBA Super Flyweight champion, from 2002 to 2004 and from 2007 to 2008.
In 2010, he attempted to add another title to his collection when he challenged for the WBA Bantamweight title. However, he was unsuccessful in his attempt and the title remained vacant. Throughout his career, Muñoz has proved himself to be a formidable opponent in the ring.
He has gained multiple titles and has challenged for another. His hard work and dedication have earned him respect from fans and other fighters alike. He has been an inspiration for many aspiring fighters who wish to follow in his footsteps.
Muñoz’s career is a testament to the determination and strength of will that is required in order to become a successful boxer. He has worked his way up the ranks and has earned multiple titles in the process.
His record serves as an example to those who wish to pursue the sport; that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
4. Jorge Linares
Jorge Luis Linares Palencia is a professional boxer from Venezuela.
He is a three-time world champion, having held the WBC featherweight title from 2007 to 2008, the WBA super featherweight title from 2008 to 2009, and the WBA, WBC and Ring magazine lightweight titles between 2014 and 2018.
Linares is a highly accomplished boxer, having won world titles in three different weight classes. He is also the first Latin American fighter to win world titles in three different weight classes.
He has fought against some of the best boxers in the world, including Anthony Crolla, Luke Campbell and Vasyl Lomachenko. Linares is known for his flashy style and technical boxing ability, which has earned him a reputation as one of the best fighters in the world.
5. Israel Contreras
Israel Contreras is a Venezuelan former professional boxer who had a very successful career. He won the World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association world bantamweight titles, making him one of the most successful boxers in the sport.
He was a boxer known for his relentless work ethic and determination in the ring. In addition to his impressive boxing career, Contreras had a supporting role in the Mel Gibson film Apocalypto.
He played the role of a warrior who was part of a raiding party, and his performance was praised by critics for his realistic portrayal of the role. It was his first experience on the big screen and he was well-received for his work.
Contreras has since retired from professional boxing, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as a successful boxer who was willing to take on any challenge and who had the drive and determination to become a world champion.
He is also remembered for his memorable performance in the Mel Gibson film Apocalypto. Israel Contreras is a Venezuelan former professional boxer who has left an indelible mark on the world of boxing and film.
6. Lorenzo Parra
Lorenzo Justiniano Parra Garcia is a professional boxer from Venezuela who has had a successful career over the past decade. He currently holds the WBA flyweight title, a title he has held since 2003, making it one of the longest-held titles in his weight class.
In 2008, Parra Garcia challenged for the WBA Super bantamweight title but was unsuccessful. He made another attempt in 2011, this time for the WBA bantamweight title, but again was unsuccessful in his attempt.
He has since returned to the flyweight division and continues to compete in various tournaments and exhibitions. Parra Garcia is a highly regarded fighter both in Venezuela and abroad and is seen as an example of success in the boxing world.
7. David Grimán
David Grimán is a retired Venezuelan boxer who achieved great success in his career. He held the World Boxing Association’s flyweight championship title for a period of time. Grimán was born in Venezuela and began boxing when he was a teenager.
He trained hard and fought in several small tournaments before eventually becoming a professional boxer in 1997. Grimán had an impressive career as a professional boxer. He fought in many high-profile bouts, including the WBA flyweight championship bout in 2001.
Grimán managed to beat the reigning champion in a unanimous decision and won the title.
He held onto the championship title for several years, defending it against a number of challengers. Grimán retired from professional boxing in 2008 with a record of 33 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw.
During his career, he won several regional championships and was inducted into the Venezuelan Hall of Fame. He is considered to be one of the best flyweight boxers of all time and is remembered for his skill, determination, and hard work.
8. José Bonilla
José Bonilla was a well-known and respected Venezuelan professional boxer. Born in the small town of Maracaibo, he quickly rose to the top of the boxing world and achieved great success. He was the former World Boxing Association flyweight champion, a title he won in 1978.
He defended the title three times before relinquishing it in 1981. During his career, Bonilla had an incredible record that included twenty-seven wins, eleven of them by knockout, and only four losses.
He was known for his impressive power and agility, as well as his courageous determination. He was an inspiration to many aspiring boxers in his homeland and abroad. José Bonilla’s legacy lives on as a symbol of hard work and dedication to the sport of boxing.
9. Ismael Barroso
Ismael Jose Barroso Bernay is a Venezuelan professional boxer who has achieved a great deal in his career. He rose to prominence in 2015 when he became the WBA interim lightweight title holder.
This title was held by him until 2016 when he decided to challenge for the WBA lightweight title.
It is expected that he will be challenging for the WBA super-lightweight title in 2023. Throughout his career, Ismael has shifted between different weight classes and has shown his versatility as a boxer.
His accomplishments demonstrate his dedication to the sport and his hard work has paid off.
He has had the opportunity to compete for some of the most prestigious boxing titles in the world, which is a testament to his skill and determination. Ismael is one of the most successful boxers to come from Venezuela and is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers.
His career shows that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. He has achieved great things in his career and will continue to do so for many years to come.
10. Félix Machado
Félix Machado is a Venezuelan professional featherweight boxer who currently resides in Bolívar, Venezuela. He is well-known in the boxing world for having won the IBF Super Flyweight Championship in 2000.
He won the title on July 22nd of that year, when he defeated Julio Gamboa for the vacant championship. This victory made Machado the first Venezuelan boxer to achieve a world title in the sport.
Since then, Machado has gone on to fight in several bouts and has become a respected fighter in the boxing community. He has shown great dedication to the sport and continues to train with passion and determination.
Despite the fact that he hasn’t held a world title since his first victory in 2000, Machado has shown that he is still a formidable opponent and can still put on a great show in the ring.
Machado’s dedication to the sport of boxing has also given him the chance to work as a trainer and mentor for upcoming boxers, and he has become an important figure in the boxing community of Venezuela. As a result, he is highly respected and admired in the country.
He has also been featured in multiple documentaries and television programs and has become an inspiration for many aspiring boxers in Venezuela. All in all, Félix Machado is a respected featherweight boxer from Venezuela who has achieved great success in the sport.
His victory in the IBF Super Flyweight Championship in 2000 has made him an important figure in the Venezuelan boxing world and has given him the chance to be a mentor and trainer for upcoming boxers.
His dedication to the sport is admirable and he is a great inspiration for many.
11. Alfonso Blanco
Alfonso Blanco Parra is a professional boxer from Venezuela. He had an impressive amateur career, achieving a silver medal in middleweight boxing at the 2007 World Championships.
His successful amateur career also led him to compete in the 2008 Summer Olympics, representing his home country of Venezuela.
Parra has since transitioned to professional boxing, where he has had success and continues to demonstrate the skill that earned him his medal in the amateur arena.
His accomplishments as an amateur boxer have made him a notable figure in the sport and have served as an inspiration to other amateur boxers who aspire to reach the same level of success.
12. Ernesto España
Ernesto España is a former professional boxer who comes from Venezuela. He achieved the prestigious title of World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion in 1979 and 1980.
España achieved this feat as a lightweight boxer, which is a weight class that is below the welterweight division and usually consists of boxers weighing between 135 and 140 pounds. During his professional career, España had an impressive record of 31 wins, 21 losses, and 1 draw.
He won 25 of his fights by knockout and was known for his powerful punches. España’s first successful title defense was against fellow Venezuelan fighter, Carlos Rios, in 1979.
He won the fight by a unanimous decision. In 1980, España successfully defended his title against American boxer, Rafael Limon, by a split decision.
This was España’s last successful defense of the WBA lightweight title, as he eventually lost the belt to the American boxer, Ray Mancini. España’s career as a professional boxer was short-lived due to health issues, but he will always be remembered as a champion.
He is an inspiration to aspiring boxers and a reminder of the hard work and dedication it takes to reach the top.
13. Aquiles Guzmán
Aquiles José Guzmán Matute is a renowned Venezuelan professional boxer who has achieved great success in the sport. He is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight champion, which is a testament to his impressive career.
Guzmán Matute has been a professional boxer since the late 1980s and has achieved numerous victories throughout his career.
He is known for his skill and technique, making him a formidable opponent in the ring. Guzmán Matute is highly regarded in the boxing world and has earned the respect of many fellow boxers. He is a recognized and respected boxer who has achieved success in the sport.
His impressive record speaks for itself, with a total of 106 wins, 18 losses, and 1 draw in his professional career. Guzmán Matute is also a former World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight champion, a title he won in 1995 against challenger Johnny Tapia.
This title win was a major accomplishment in his career and solidified his status as a champion. Despite his impressive career, Guzmán Matute retired from professional boxing in 2000.
Since then, he has become a respected boxing coach, helping to groom and develop young boxers in his native country of Venezuela. Guzmán Matute is also an active member of the community, often using his voice to advocate for social issues and support his fellow Venezuelans.
14. Alimi Goitia
Alimi Alan Goitia was a Venezuelan professional boxer who enjoyed a successful career spanning from 1993 to 2005. He rose to prominence in 1995 when he won the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Flyweight title.
This was a great accomplishment for him and his country, as he was the first Venezuelan professional boxer to win a world title. Goitia was known for his powerful left hand and his boxing skills. He was highly respected among his peers and in the boxing community.
He was a well-rounded fighter who could box and brawl equally well.
He was also known for his determination to win, as he often trained hard and fought with a will to win. Goitia fought many of the top boxers of his era, including Jorge Eliecer Julio, Joel Luna Garcia, Rafael Liriano, and Alex Sanchez.
He lost only two fights in his career, both to Sanchez. Despite this, he was still highly respected and admired for his skill and determination. Goitia retired in 2005 with a record of 30 wins, two losses, and one draw.
After his retirement, he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009. He is still remembered as a great fighter and a great champion, and his legacy as a Venezuelan boxer will live on forever.
15. Jesús Rojas
Jesus “Kiki” Rojas is a retired professional boxer from Venezuela who competed in the super flyweight division. He was born and raised in the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo and began his professional boxing career in 1994.
In his career, Rojas fought a total of 40 bouts, winning 36 of them, with 25 of those wins coming by way of knockout. His biggest win was against then-WBO super flyweight champion, Jose Luis Valbuena, in which he won by unanimous decision.
Rojas went on to defend his title several times, before ultimately retiring in 2002. Rojas is now retired from the sport, but he remains an important figure in Venezuelan boxing.
He is a respected figure among his fellow boxers and is remembered for his skill and determination in the ring. Rojas is also remembered for his strong sense of patriotism, which was seen in his fights.
He would often wear a Venezuelan flag on his trunks, and his pre-fight ritual of singing the Venezuelan national anthem was well-known throughout the boxing world.
In addition to his career in boxing, Rojas is also an accomplished actor, having starred in numerous Venezuelan films and television shows. He is also an advocate for animal rights and works with several charities in his home country.
Rojas has also been inducted into the Venezuelan Boxing Hall of Fame, a testament to his legacy in the sport. In conclusion, Jesus “Kiki” Rojas is an important figure in Venezuelan boxing.
He was a successful professional boxer in the super flyweight division and is remembered for his skill, determination, and patriotism. He is also an accomplished actor and an advocate for animal rights and has been inducted into the Venezuelan Boxing Hall of Fame.
16. Rafael Orono
Jesus Rafael Orono is an accomplished athlete who achieved great success in his professional boxing career.
The Venezuelan native was a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight boxing division, eventually becoming a world champion in the weight class. Orono’s path to the top began early in his career when he first started to make a name for himself in the amateur circuit.
After proving himself as a formidable fighter, Orono turned professional and began to make a name for himself in the professional ranks.
He was known for his quick reflexes and strong technical skills, which enabled him to go toe-to-toe with some of the best boxers in the world. Orono eventually earned a shot at the world title, and he did not disappoint.
He was able to dominate the competition and was crowned super flyweight champion.
This title was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, as he did not take any short cuts to achieve success. Since retiring from the sport, Orono has gone on to become a popular figure in his homeland of Venezuela.
He is seen as a symbol of inspiration and motivation for aspiring athletes, as his story is a reminder of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.
17. Luis Estaba
Luis Alberto Estaba is a former boxer from Venezuela, who was born in Macuro, a South American point of entry for Cristopher Columbus. He was widely known for his resemblance to the Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, and as a result was nicknamed ‘Lumumba’.
Estaba was born in Macuro, a port city located in the Zulia state of Venezuela. This port city was a major point of entry for the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus when he arrived in South America.
Estaba was an accomplished boxer, having competed in the Olympic games in 1968. He was also a member of the Venezuelan national boxing team and won numerous championships throughout his career.
Despite his success in the ring, Estaba was most well-known for his physical resemblance to the Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, which earned him his nickname of ‘Lumumba’.
Estaba has since retired from professional boxing but continues to be admired for his athletic accomplishments and likeness to the late leader.
18. Betulio González
Betulio Segundo González is a legendary athlete from Venezuela, having earned his place in the country’s history books as one of its greatest boxing champions. Born in the small town of Barinas, González quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world.
He won numerous national championships, and eventually earned the Venezuelan National Boxing Championship in the lightweight division.
His success in the sport quickly earned him the admiration of his fellow Venezuelans, and he soon became a national hero. González’s greatest achievements came at the international level, though.
He fought in the World Boxing Championships and won the gold medal in the lightweight division. This feat earned him the Venezuelan National Sports Award and made him the first Venezuelan to ever win a world championship in boxing.
His success brought a great sense of pride to his home country, and his accomplishments in the sport are widely celebrated in Venezuela to this day. González’s legacy lives on in Venezuela as many consider him to be the greatest world champion in boxing history.
His impact on the sport and his country is undeniable, and his name is remembered fondly by all Venezuelans. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest athletes to ever come out of the country, and his legacy will live on for generations.
19. Gabriel Maestre
Gabriel José Maestre Pérez is a highly accomplished Venezuelan professional boxer. He has achieved great success in the boxing world, both as an amateur and a professional.
As an amateur, he competed in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics and won medals at the 2013 World Championships and the 2015 and 2019 Pan American Games.
Maestre Pérez has been a dominant force in the boxing world, and his accomplishments show that he is a dedicated and hard-working athlete. He has consistently demonstrated excellence in the sport and is an inspiration to other aspiring boxers.
20. Alfredo Pérez
Alfredo Pérez is a retired Venezuelan boxer who had the chance to represent his country of origin on an international stage. At the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, he was one of the athletes competing in the Men’s Flyweight division.
Unfortunately, he was unable to secure a medal in his division as he was defeated by Poland’s Leszek Błażyński, who eventually went on to win the bronze medal. Despite his defeat, Pérez has since become a celebrated figure in Venezuela for his contribution to the Olympic Games.
His participation in the 1976 Olympics has served as an inspiration for many young Venezuelans to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
21. Antonio Esparragoza
Antonio Esparragoza Betancourt is a Venezuelan former boxer who achieved a great deal of success in his career. He is best known for being a former WBA Featherweight Champion of the World. During his career, he won several titles and was a professional boxer for over a decade.
He is known for his great defensive skills and ability to keep his opponents from landing punches. His opponents often found it difficult to keep up with his speed and agility.
He was a master at capitalizing on his opponent’s mistakes and often won his fights through skillful counter-punching. After retiring from boxing, he went on to become a boxing trainer and mentor to many aspiring boxers.
He has inspired many fighters to strive for excellence and continue to push themselves to reach their potential. Antonio Esparragoza Betancourt is a prime example of what dedication and hard work can do for an individual.
22. Nehomar Cermeño
Nehomar Andrés Cermeño Febres is a Venezuelan professional boxer who has had a successful career in the sport. He held the WBA super bantamweight title from 2016 to 2017, and the WBA interim titles at bantamweight and super bantamweight between 2009 and 2014.
This means that Cermeño Febres successfully held a world boxing title for a total of eight years. Cermeño Febres has been boxing professionally since 2007, and since then he has had a total of 36 wins, including 15 knockouts, and one draw.
He has also faced some of the top boxers in the world, such as Nonito Donaire, Leo Santa Cruz, and Julio Ceja. Cermeño Febres is an accomplished and respected boxer in the world of professional boxing, and he is respected for his dedication and hard work.
He is also known for his resilience and determination, as he has come back from losses to win world titles. He is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers, and his success proves that hard work and dedication pay off.
23. Vicente Rondón
Vicente Paúl Rondón was a prominent figure in the boxing world of the mid-20th century. Born in Venezuela, he began his professional boxing career in 1965 and would go on to become a world champion by 1971.
He held the WBA light heavyweight title for a year from 1971 to 1972, before retiring in 1974. Despite his short career, Rondón was a highly esteemed fighter, praised for his technical ability and his intelligence in the ring.
He was an aggressive fighter, but also one who was very calculated in his approach. He was known for his powerful left hook, which he used to great effect throughout his career. Rondón was also an innovator, introducing new techniques and strategies to the sport.
He was a true champion, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of boxing.
24. Antonio Gómez
Antonio Gomez was a Venezuelan professional boxer who competed in the featherweight division. He was born in Venezuela and fought professionally for many years. In 1971, he achieved a major milestone in his boxing career when he won the WBA world featherweight title.
His victory was a historic moment in Venezuelan boxing and his name will always be remembered for his accomplishments in the ring. Gomez was a skilled boxer with a high technical ability.
He had good footwork and a powerful punch which enabled him to take down opponents with ease. He was also known for his strong defense and ability to absorb punches. His success in the ring was due to his determination and passion for the sport.
Throughout his career, Gomez fought in many notable bouts against boxers such as Joe Frazier, Carlos Zarate, and Danny Lopez. He was known for his determination and never-say-die attitude which made him a fan favorite.
After his retirement in 1975, he remained active in the boxing community and continues to be an inspiration to many aspiring boxers. Today, Antonio Gomez is still remembered fondly by boxing fans and is considered one of the greatest Venezuelan boxers of all time.
He will always be remembered for his accomplishments in the ring and his contribution to the sport of boxing. His legacy will live on for generations to come.
25. Yoel Finol
Yoel Segundo Finol Rivas is a Venezuelan professional boxer. He had a successful amateur career, which was highlighted by a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
His success in the Olympics was made even more remarkable by the fact that his silver medal came after the original silver medalist, Mikhail Aloyan, was disqualified due to a failed drugs test.
This resulted in Yoel Segundo Finol Rivas being awarded the silver medal in his place. Yoel Segundo Finol Rivas has since gone on to have a successful professional career, becoming the Venezuelan super bantamweight champion in 2019.
He has since defended this title multiple times and is currently ranked fourth in the world in the super bantamweight division. He is also a two-time Venezuelan national amateur champion and has a record of 20-2 in his professional career.
The 2016 Olympic silver medal was a big moment in Yoel Segundo Finol Rivas’ career and was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
It was an unexpected success for him, given the circumstances surrounding the disqualification of the original silver medalist, Mikhail Aloyan. This moment has become an iconic part of Yoel Segundo Finol Rivas’ boxing career and will be remembered for years to come.
26. Alfredo Marcano
Alfredo Marcano was a successful Venezuelan professional boxer who fought from 1966 to 1975. He was known for his incredible talent and skill in the ring and was crowned the world junior lightweight champion during his career.
Marcano was a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world and is remembered for his impressive legacy. Marcano began his professional career in 1966 and quickly rose to the top of the sport.
He was known for his strong punch and his agility in the ring, which allowed him to outmaneuver and outpace his opponents. He fought in dozens of matches during his career, and in 1973, he was crowned the world junior lightweight champion.
This was a major accomplishment for Marcano, and he held the title until 1975 when he retired from boxing. Marcano was a highly respected boxer in the boxing community, and his success in the sport earned him a place in history.
His legacy was cemented when he became the world junior lightweight champion, and he was celebrated as a hero in his home country of Venezuela.
Although he retired from the boxing ring in 1975, his name still lives on in the sport and is remembered by many as one of the greatest boxers of his era.
27. José Espinoza
José Espinoza is a Venezuelan professional boxer who competes as a middleweight. He is well-known for his participation in the 2012 Summer Olympics, where he was hoping for a successful run.
However, despite his best efforts, he was unable to advance past the heats of the men’s middleweight event. He was defeated by Zoltán Harcsa, a Hungarian boxer, who eventually went on to take the bronze medal in the event.
Espinoza’s performance in the 2012 Olympics was still impressive, given the level of competition he faced. He showed remarkable skill and determination, even in defeat, and his efforts have been well-received in his home country.
Espinoza’s career has been marked by several other international successes, including a gold medal in the 2011 Pan American Games. He continues to strive for excellence in the sport and is one of the most promising athletes in Venezuela.
28. Yober Ortega
Yober Ortega is a retired boxer from Venezuela who made a name for himself in the world of professional boxing. He was a former World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight champion. Ortega fought from 1995 to 2007 and won the WBA super bantamweight title in 2003.
During his twelve-year career, he had a record of 25 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws. He was known for his aggressive style of boxing and relentless pressure in the ring.
He was also known for his impressive fitness and conditioning which allowed him to go the distance in some of his fights. After his retirement, Ortega was inducted into the Venezuelan Boxing Hall of Fame.
He is an example of a great boxer who rose to the top of his sport despite coming from a small country. He is a true inspiration for future generations of Venezuelan boxers.
29. Fulgencio Obelmejias
Fulgencio Obelmejias, more commonly known as ‘Fully Obel’, was a Venezuelan former boxer. He was a professional boxer for many years, and his career culminated in becoming the world super-middleweight champion.
Fully Obel achieved immense success in his boxing career, becoming a major figure within the sport. He was known for his powerful punches and his determination to win, qualities that made him a respected figure within the boxing community.
He eventually retired from boxing in the early 2000s, but his legacy within the sport remains. He is remembered for his success as a boxer and his contributions to the sport of professional boxing.
30. Noel Arambulet
Noel Arambulet is a professional boxer competing in the minimum strawweight category. This is a weight class that is designated for fighters who weigh between 105 and 108 pounds.
Arambulet is a world-renowned boxer who has won multiple championships and fights in some of the biggest boxing venues across the world. He is considered to be one of the best boxers in his weight class and has been praised for his technique and style of fighting.
He has had several successful fights against some of the best boxers in his weight class and has shown a great deal of skill and determination. He is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers and continues to be one of the most popular names in the sport.
31. Miguel Acosta
Miguel Acosta is a former professional boxer from Venezuela who was active in the sport from 1999 to 2016. He was given the nickname “Aguacerito”, which translates to “Little Rain” in English.
During his career, he achieved great success, becoming the former World Boxing Association lightweight champion. This title was held for a period of time and he was recognized as a champion in the boxing world.
Throughout his career, he had many memorable fights and earned respect from the boxing community. He continues to be a respected figure in the sport, even after his retirement. Despite leaving the sport, his legacy and accomplishments will continue to be remembered.
32. Francisco Rodríguez
Francisco Antonio Rodríguez Brito is a retired Venezuelan boxer who accomplished a great deal in his boxing career. He was a two-time Pan American Games gold medalist, claiming the gold at the 1967 and 1971 Games.
He then went on to win the gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in the inaugural men’s light flyweight division. This made him the first Venezuelan to win an Olympic gold medal.
His success in the Olympic Games and the Pan American Games made him a national hero in his home country. His success in the Olympics also made him an inspiration to many aspiring boxers in the region.
His legacy continues to this day, with aspiring boxers in Venezuela still looking up to him as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
33. Miguel Ángel Miranda
Miguel Ángel Miranda Guerra is a lightweight boxer from Venezuela. He had the honor of representing his home country at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
Unfortunately, he was outscored in the first round of the men’s light-flyweight division by the eventual gold medalist from Cuba, Yan Bartelemí. Despite the setback, Miranda Guerra was proud to represent his home country on the world stage.
His determination and dedication to his sport, even in the face of defeat, is an inspiration to many. This speaks to the strength of his character, and the respect he has earned from his peers.
34. Gilberto Serrano
Gilberto Rafael Serrano is a former professional boxer from Venezuela. He is well-known for his accomplishments in the sport, which include becoming the WBA World Lightweight Champion.
During his eleven-year career, which ran from 1993 to 2004, he won several titles and made a name for himself in the boxing world. Serrano began his boxing career in 1993 when he had his first professional fight.
In the years that followed, he fought his way to the top, winning several titles and accolades along the way. In 1999, he achieved the pinnacle of his success when he won the WBA World Lightweight Title.
This accomplishment cemented his place in boxing history and made him one of the most respected names in the sport. Over the course of his career, Serrano fought and won several more titles, including the WBA Interim Lightweight Title and the WBO Latino Lightweight Title.
He retired in 2004 with a record of 28 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws. In addition to his boxing accomplishments, Serrano is also well-known for his charitable work in his home country of Venezuela.
He has been involved in a number of charities, including raising money for underprivileged children and helping to provide medical care in rural areas.
Through his work, he has shown an unwavering commitment to helping others. Gilberto Rafael Serrano is an inspiration to many in the boxing world, and his legacy in the sport is sure to live on for years to come.
35. Pedro Gamarro
Pedro Gamarro was an amateur boxer from Venezuela who made a name for himself in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada. He competed in the welterweight division and made it all the way to the final, where he faced off against Jochen Bachfeld of East Germany.
Unfortunately, he was unable to secure the gold medal, and he had to settle for the silver medal instead. Despite not winning the gold, Pedro Gamarro’s performance in the 1976 Summer Olympics was certainly impressive and a great achievement for a Venezuelan boxer.
He demonstrated incredible skill and determination in the ring, and his accomplishments will serve as an example for future generations of Venezuelan boxers.
36. Liborio Solís
Liborio Solís is a Venezuelan professional boxer who has had an impressive career. He first made history in 2013 when he became the WBA Super Flyweight Champion.
He then went on to challenge for the WBC Bantamweight Title in 2016, and three times for the WBA Bantamweight Title in 2016, 2017, and 2023. He showed great ambition and determination to compete at the highest level.
Solís’ success in the ring also serves as an inspiration for aspiring young boxers in Venezuela. His career highlights have earned him a place in the boxing history books, and he will be remembered as one of the greats in the sport.
37. José Uzcátegui
José Uzcátegui is a professional boxer from Venezuela who has achieved notable success in the sport. He held the International Boxing Federation’s super middleweight title from 2018 to 2019.
During this time, he successfully defended the title twice and gained recognition from boxing fans and experts worldwide. Uzcátegui has been competing in professional boxing since 2012 when he won his first professional fight.
During his career, he has competed in a number of international tournaments, such as the World Boxing Super Series and the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title.
He has also faced a number of renowned boxers, such as Callum Smith, David Benavidez, and Avni Yildirim. Uzcátegui’s success in the ring has earned him a number of accolades. In 2018, he was named the ‘Boxer of the Year’ in Venezuela.
He has also been featured in ESPN’s ‘Top 10 Fighters of 2018’ list, as well as in the ‘Top 10 Super Middleweight Boxers of 2019’ list. Uzcátegui is undoubtedly one of the most successful professional boxers from Venezuela.
He has achieved notable success in the sport and has earned the respect of his peers, fans, and experts alike. He is an inspiration to aspiring boxers in Venezuela and around the world.
38. Manuel Vilchez
Manuel Vilchez is a former Venezuelan boxer who made a name for himself in the sport. At the 1984 Summer Olympics, he competed in the men’s bantamweight division, where he faced Uganda’s John Siryakibbe in the first round.
Unfortunately, Manuel was unable to secure a victory and was eliminated from the competition. However, just a year prior, he proved his worth by claiming the gold medal in the same division at the Pan American Games.
In the final, Manuel was able to defeat Pedro Nolasco of the Dominican Republic and secure the gold medal. Despite his loss at the Olympics, Manuel was still able to demonstrate his talent as a boxer by winning the gold medal at the Pan American Games.
39. Omar Catarí
Omar Catarí Peraza is a Venezuelan athlete who achieved international success as a boxer. He is best known for his accomplishment at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he won the bronze medal in the men’s featherweight division.
This was a remarkable achievement as he had to compete against some of the world’s best boxers to secure the medal. He shared the podium with Türgüt Aykaç of Turkey, who also won the bronze medal in the same weight class.
Omar Catarí Peraza had to put in an immense amount of hard work and dedication to get to the Olympics and to be able to compete with such talent from around the world.
His success was a testament to his commitment and resilience and is a source of pride for his native Venezuela. His win was a reminder of the potential of athletes from all corners of the world to succeed on the global stage and to be recognized for their accomplishments.
40. Leo Gámez
Leo Gámez is a retired professional boxer from Venezuela. His full name is Silvio Rafael Gámez, but he is commonly referred to by just his first two names, Leo Gámez. Gámez was active in the sport from 1985 until 2005, a period of twenty years.
During his time in the ring, Gámez had a successful career and was highly regarded in the boxing community. He won numerous titles, including a number of regional championships in the light flyweight and super flyweight divisions.
Gámez was also known for his toughness and determination, which enabled him to remain competitive until the end of his career. He was an inspiration to many young boxers in his home country, and his legacy as a boxer still resonates today.
41. Albert Ramírez
Albert Ramón Ramírez Durán, more commonly known as Albert Ramírez, is a professional boxer from Venezuela. He has had an impressive career in the boxing world, both as an amateur and a professional. As an amateur, Albert Ramírez was a standout in the light heavyweight division.
His impressive performances earned him a spot on the Venezuelan Olympic team for the 2016 Summer Olympics. During the competition, he was able to show off his skills as he competed against some of the best boxers in the world.
Despite not winning a medal, Albert Ramírez was able to gain valuable experience which has helped him become a better boxer since then. Since the Olympics, Albert Ramírez has gone on to become a professional boxer.
He has had an impressive career so far, having won multiple fights and even winning some titles. He is currently ranked in the top 10 of the light heavyweight division, and he is one of the most promising boxers in the division.
Albert Ramírez is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers, showing that hard work and dedication can pay off. He has proven that even those from small countries can compete with the best in the world if they have the drive and determination.
He is an example of what can be accomplished when you put in the effort.
42. Alfredo Lemus
Alfredo Lemus is a boxer from Venezuela who competed in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics. He had an impressive showing at the 1975 Pan American Games, where he earned a bronze medal in the light-middleweight division.
Lemus’ success at the Pan American Games was particularly impressive considering the fact that he was competing against some of the best boxers in the Western Hemisphere. His performance was a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
Despite his impressive accomplishments, Lemus is not a household name and is often overlooked by the mainstream media. He is, however, remembered fondly by those who followed his career and admire his achievements.
43. Crisanto España
Crisanto España is a renowned former boxer who achieved a great milestone in his career. He was crowned as the WBA Welterweight Champion of the World. España’s boxing career began in Belfast, Northern Ireland and he made his professional debut in 1984.
Before his professional career, he had an impressive amateur record of 54-10. España’s experience in the boxing ring gave him the skills necessary to compete at a professional level.
He was able to make a successful transition from amateur to professional boxing with his hard work and dedication. Throughout his career, he has inspired and motivated many aspiring boxers to pursue their dreams and reach the highest levels of success.
44. Carlos Barreto
Carlos Barreto was a professional bantamweight boxer from Venezuela. He was a talented athlete, who had the honor of representing his native country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
Barreto had a strong passion for boxing and his skill and dedication eventually paid off when he was chosen to be a part of Team Venezuela at the Olympic Games. He was proud to represent his nation and the people of Venezuela during the event.
Throughout his boxing career, Carlos Barreto trained rigorously and worked hard to achieve success. He trained for many hours to perfect his technique and improve his physical condition. He also studied the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents to gain an edge in the ring.
Barreto was determined to make a name for himself in the world of boxing and he was determined to make Venezuela proud. Unfortunately, Carlos Barreto failed to win a medal for Venezuela at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
He did not win any matches and was eliminated in the early rounds. Despite his failure, Barreto was still proud of his accomplishments and the opportunity to represent his country. His ambition and determination continue to inspire Venezuelan athletes to this day.
45. Abraham Torres
Abraham Torres was a Venezuelan boxer who was nicknamed “Habran”. He made it to the Summer Olympics in 1988, competing in the men’s bantamweight division.
Unfortunately, he lost in the third round of the competition to Thailand’s Phajol Moolsan, who went on to win a bronze medal. Torres had a lot of potential but was unable to reach his goal of winning a medal at the Olympics.
However, his time at the Olympics was not wasted, as it served as an invaluable experience which he could use in his future boxing matches. Despite his loss, Torres is still remembered as a successful Venezuelan boxer who put up a good fight in the Olympic games.
46. Armando Guevara
Ramón Armando Guevara is a renowned former boxer from Venezuela who made his mark on the international boxing stage. He had the honor of competing at the Summer Olympics on two occasions, in 1976 and 1980.
His impressive career in boxing was further highlighted when he won the bronze medal at the 1978 World Amateur Boxing Championships in the light flyweight division.
This remarkable achievement not only earned him recognition in Venezuela but also around the world. Throughout his boxing career, Ramón Armando Guevara was known for his tremendous skill and dedication to the sport.
He consistently trained hard and strived to improve his technique and reach his peak performance. His commitment to improving paid off, as he was able to reach the Olympics and then, ultimately, win the bronze medal at the 1978 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
This accomplishment demonstrated his impressive ability and represented a high point in his career. Ramón Armando Guevara is a respected and admired figure in the boxing world. He is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication to a sport.
His accomplishments have inspired many aspiring boxers, and his legacy will continue to live on for years to come.
47. Engels Pedroza
Engels Pedroza is a former Venezuelan professional boxer who achieved success in the ring. He was a part of the Venezuelan amateur boxing team in 1985, when he represented his home country in the World Cup held in Seoul.
At this event, Pedroza was able to take home a silver medal in the lightweight division. Later that same year, Pedroza scored a victory against the future professional world champion, Joey Gamache, in a USA-Venezuela duel meet.
This impressive feat, along with his medal, highlights Pedroza’s skill and dedication to the sport of boxing. Pedroza’s career as a professional boxer may have ended, but his accomplishments in the ring will always be remembered.
Conclusion
Venezuela has produced some of the best boxers of all time. Notable boxers include Edwin Valero, Luis Emilio Galarza, Jorge Linares, and Edwin Valero. These boxers have achieved great success in the sport and have left an indelible mark on the history of boxing.
They have inspired many generations of Venezuelan boxers and will continue to do so in the future.
