Mexican-American Fighters

A few days ago, I listed my top five fighters of Mexican decent. Today, I am listing my five favorite fighters who are Mexican-American. Again, this was a very difficult decision. Mexican-American fighters have a great history in the sport. From Art Aragon to Johnny Tapia to Oscar De La Hoya, the sport has been influenced heavily by Mexican-American fighters.

1. Johnny Tapia
I am a little biased here since I am a native New Mexican. Tapia won titles at 115, 118 and 126. He was non-stop action and had great instincts. Those great instincts helped him even when he was having trouble outside the ring and didn't always train his best. He was a natural in the ring and could adjust on a whim. He beat some very good fighters in his prime, including Danny Romero, Nana Konadu, Jorge Julio and Arthur Johnson. Tapia was an outstanding fighter and had great heart. If he had a little more power, he might have been able to beat Marco Antonio Barrera at 126, but Barrera was simply too much for him at that weight.

2. Orlando Canizales
The great South Texas fighter was one of the best with 50 wins against just five losses. Defended his IBF bantamweight title 14 times. Beat the likes of Sergio Reyes, Kelvin Seabrooks and Paul Gonzales. Was a good boxer and an exciting one to boot. He didn't get the acclaim that other fighters did, but always gave a great effort and took on some of the boxing's best in his class.

3. Juan Diaz
The Baby Bull as he is known fights Julio Diaz next week to help unify some of the major titles in the lightweight division. Juan Diaz is a ferocious fighter with better than average boxing skill. He has gotten better and better as he has gotten older. Is coming off a methodical beating of Acelino Frietas. Diaz always gives a great effort in the ring and if he can win this fight on Oct. 13 against the other Diaz, even bigger fights await.

4. Oscar De La Hoya
The 1992 Olympic Gold medalist has been one of the sport's most entertaining fighters. Beat the likes of John Molina, Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. Was robbed against Felix Trinidad in battle of unbeaten welterweights. Also lost close decisions to Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather. A masterful boxer when focused and in shape. Has good power and is still a great draw at age of 34. Wants to fight 2-3 more times. Has started own promotional company, which is very successful.

5. Bobby "Schoolboy" Chacon
Chacon was all intensity and action in the ring, collecting 59 wins and two world championships along the way. Engaged in wars with Bazooka Limon, Cornelius Boza Edwards and Ruben Olivares in his career. The California fighter will always be remembered for his great heart and his willingness to engage in a fierce battle. Unfortunately all the tough fights and life issues outside the ring slowed him down. But Chacon will never be forgotten for what he did in the ring and what he accomplished.

— Felix