BoxRec

According to World Boxing magazine-Puerto Rico’s top 20 all time greats.

1. Wilfredo Gomez 44-3-1 (42 )
2. Felix Trinidad 42-2 (35 )
3. Carlos Ortiz 61-7-1 (30 KO’s and 1 no contest)
4. Wilfredo Benitez 58-8-1 (31)
5. Esteban De Jesus 57-5 (32)
6. Pedro Montanez 92-7-4 (54)
7. Sixto Escobar 43-22-3 (19)
8. Jose Basora 77-20-7 (44)
9. Edwin Rosario 47-6 (41)
10. Cocoa Kid 176-56-9 (47)
11. Sammy Serrano 52-4-1 (17)
12. Jose Torres 41-3-1 (29)
13. Wilfredo Vazquez 56-9-2 (41)
14. John-John Molina 52-7 (33)
15. Alfredo Escalera 54-14-3 (31)
16. Jose Gonzalez 42-21-2 (14)
17. Juan Laporte 40-17 (22)
18. Carlos DeLeon 52-8-1 (32)
19. Angel Manfready 43-8-1 (32)
20. Ossie (Jaws) Ocasio 23-13-1 (12)

I disagree with having Sixto Escobar as number 7 and Sammy Serrano at 11 they should lower and Carlos DeLeon should be higher.

Other candidates: Miguel Cotto, Hector Camacho, John Ruiz, Ivan Calderon, Lou Del Valle, Nelson Dieppa, Daniel Santos, Carlos Quintana, Jose Rivera and Kermit Cintron.

My top 10 is:

1. Carlos Ortiz
2. Wilfredo Gomez
3. Wilfredo Benitez
4. Felix Trinidad
5. Pedro Montanez
6. Esteban De Jesus
7. Edwin Rosario
8. Jose Basora
9. Wilfredo Vazquez
10. Jose Torres or John John Molina

Cocoa Kid did not make the cut because I don’t know if he really is Puerto Rican and I have ask my father and few other old timer and they have no recollection of Cocoa Kid.

I really can't see why anyone would have Trinidad (or Gomez for that matter) above Ortiz, who faced terrific opposition.

I would have Benitez 1 or 2. Also would move Escalera and Deleon up.

DoubleM wrote:I really can't see why anyone would have Trinidad (or Gomez for that matter) above Ortiz, who faced terrific opposition.

I'd have Benitez above Tito too.

Good list Borinken , I definately agree with you no1, Trinidad may be a little high.

the lower end of the top twenty is pretty bad.ossie ocassio?
the guy was a step above ham and egger.

I'd put the very underrated John John Molina higher. I still remember his televised 2nd bout with Tony Lopez, when he boxed circles around his opponent and stopped him on cuts, then got showered with beer by Lopez's disappointed fans. Unfortunately though, for there third fight, Molina stood right in front of Lopez instead of using his superior boxing ability, and lost the decision.

I'll admit my bias first ...... Trinidad was one of my favourite all - time boxers .


To me , the first 4 are a given , but you can argue about the order .


I've already admitted my love of Tito , and I have no argument with those who rate Gomez .


Benetiz took Hearns and Leonard 15 rounds , but had a few poor losses to the likes of Hilton , Lawlor , Herrera and Papsadora , so I have mixed views on his position .


Ortiz was also a great champion , but I would rate him 4th . He had poor losses to Busso , Lane and Cruz ( a bit like Benetiz , but without the rider of taking a Leonard type the distance ) .


Nobody comes close to these 4 though .