The rivalry between Puerto Rican and Mexican boxers is recognized as one of the most intense in boxing history.Kevin Baxter (2008-07-15). "This rivalry packs real punch." LA Times. Retrieved 2024-12-12 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.
In world title matches, Puerto Rican boxers hold a slight statistical advantage over their Mexican rivals, with Puerto Rico achieving 86 wins compared to Mexico with 75 wins. The most recent matchup resulted in Mexico’s Issac Cruz defeating Puerto Rico’s Nestor Bravo for Mexico’s 75th win in the rivalry.
Most Recent Championship Fights Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Date Winner Opponent Result Title Winning Side2026-09-19 Isaac Cruz Nestor Bravo KO6 WBC interim 140 Mexico 75-862026-06-20 Oscar Collazo Neider Valdez TKO2 WBA WBO RING Puerto Rico 86-742026-03-14 Oscar Collazo Jesus Haro RTD6 WBA WBO RING Puerto Rico 85-742025-07-27 Eduardo Núñez Christopher Diaz UD12 IBF 126 Mexico 74-842025-07-27 Xander Zayas Jorge Garcia UD12 WBO 154 Puerto Rico 84-732025-03-29 Oscar Collazo Edwin Cano KO5 WBA, WBO, The Ring 105 Puerto Rico 83-732024-09-14 Canelo Alvarez Edgar Berlanga UD12 Undisputed 168 Mexico 73-822021-07-21 Jonathan González Elwin Soto TKO5 WBO 108 Puerto Rico 82-722021-04-24 Emanuel Navarrete Christopher Diaz TKO12 WBO 126 Mexico 72-812021-07-21 McWilliams Arroyo Abraham Rodriguez SD12 WBC 112 Puerto Rico 81-71
In pop culture The Super Bowl LX Halftime Show featured two boxers, Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas, squaring off, a reference to this rivalry.
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