Who was the most outstanding Mexican boxer throughout history?
Born in the coastal state of Guerrero, Rubén Olivares' passion for boxing was evident from an early age. At just 17 years old, he stepped into the ring for his first professional fight against Isidro Sotelo in Cuernavaca, marking the beginning of an impressive streak of 24 consecutive knockout victories[1].
Olivares' career took him to Mexico City, where he fought in a trilogy of fights against Chucho Castillo. In their first encounter in April 1970, Olivares emerged victorious, winning the fight on points. However, in the second fight, Olivares suffered his first defeat in five years and 63 fights, with the bout being stopped in the 14th round due to a badly cut eye that Olivares claimed was from a clash of heads[2]. The third fight was won by Olivares in April 1971, but concerns about his attitude and party lifestyle began to surface[3].
One of the most notable fights of Olivares' career was against World Champion Lionel Rose for the world title. Despite the loss, Olivares continued to make a name for himself, winning three more world titles. He beat Bobby Chacon for the NABF featherweight title in 1973, Zensuke Utagawa for the WBA featherweight title in 1974, and Chacon again for the WBC featherweight title in 1975[4].
Olivares' career was not without controversy. At some point in his life, he was arrested for a marijuana-related offense[5]. His love for tequila and women was also well-documented[6]. In his later years, Olivares was a regular in the Mexico City mercado, selling boxing memorabilia and autographs[7].
For his contributions to the sport, Olivares was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame[8]. He is often ranked as one of the best five world champions that Mexico has ever produced[9]. Despite his struggles, Olivares' impact on the world of boxing is undeniable. He left the ring in 1981, having lost three and drawn two of his last five fights[10].
[1] Reference for the 24 consecutive knockout wins. [2] Reference for the second fight against Castillo being stopped due to a cut eye. [3] Reference for concerns about Olivares' attitude and party lifestyle after the third fight against Castillo. [4] Reference for Olivares winning three more world titles. [5] Reference for Olivares being arrested for a marijuana-related offense. [6] Reference for Olivares' love for tequila and women. [7] Reference for Olivares selling boxing memorabilia and autographs in his later years. [8] Reference for Olivares being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. [9] Reference for Olivares being ranked as one of the best five world champions that Mexico has ever produced. [10] Reference for Olivares leaving the ring in 1981.
- Despite his controversial lifestyle involving tequila, women, and a marijuana-related arrest, Rubén Olivares' impact on the world of boxing remains undeniable, with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and his ranking as one of the best five world champions that Mexico has ever produced.
- After his impressive streak of 24 consecutive knockout victories, Olivares' career took a turn when he suffered his first professional defeat against Chucho Castillo, marking a significant event in both their iconic trilogy of fights and boxing history.
- The richness of Olivares' life story goes beyond the ring, touching upon news of his controversial personal life and drug-related arrest, as well as his appearances in the cultural landscape of Mexico City's mercados, selling boxing memorabilia and autographs.
