BoxRec

Flyweight Legend and Hall of Fame boxer, Miguel Canto of Mexico, dies. He was 78. One of the best fighters of the 1970s decade, made 14 title defenses of the WBC World Flyweight title. All of his title defenses were gone to the distance of 15 rounds, except one. That tells us that the little man had of stamina in the ring.

To me, he was also a top 5 all-time flyweight and I ranked him at #70 in my list of the top 100 greatest pound per pound boxers of all-time.

He was also a top 10 in the list of great Mexican all-time boxers. He was known as El Maestro (The Master or The Teacher)

May he rest in peace.

In a classic era where boxers used to fight at least 5 times a year, Miguel Canto was the best Flyweight boxer of his era. He held the WBC World Flyweight title for 4 years (1975-79), making 15 title defenses, 14 won by decision, which is a world record.

From November 1970 to February 1979, Canto lost once in 51 contests. Record was 49-1-1, with 13 knockouts in that time frame. Canto also beat 6 out 7 world champions.

Among his best wins were, W15 Betulio Gonzalez, W15 Shoji Oguma, WTKO9 Lupe Madera, W15 Martin Vargas, W10 Antonio Avelar, and W15 Susumu Hanagata.

He didn't get the recognition that he deserved in the United States, mainly because he was a flyweight and didn't possessed the knockout punch like his contemporary country men like Ruben Olivares, Pipino Cuevas and Carlos Zarate.

But, what a masterful fighter he was!

RIP Champ, but he never was forgotten

RIP Champ.......

- Chuck Johnston