Julio Cesar Chavez Sr, one of boxing's all-time greats, has picked Edwin Rosario as the hardest puncher he faced in his long career. Chavez shared this insight during a chat with The Ring Magazine, looking back on his 25 years in the ring.
Chavez's career was nothing short of amazing. He fought 115 times from 1980 to 2005, staying unbeaten for his first 89 fights. You can check out his full record here. His first loss came in January 1994 against Frankie Randall, but Chavez bounced back just four months later to win their rematch and get his WBC world light-welterweight title back.
Over the years, Chavez won multiple world titles in three weight classes and squared off against some of the best in the business. He fought legends like Pernell Whitaker, Hector Camacho, Oscar De La Hoya, and Meldrick Taylor.
But when it comes to pure punching power, Chavez says Rosario tops the list. He told The Ring Magazine:
"Anywhere he hit me it hurt. Frankie Randall was also a hard puncher. [Against Rosario] it was my youth, it was the fact I was in my prime, it all helped me get through that fight."
Chavez and Rosario fought in November 1987 at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Despite Rosario's power, Chavez managed to stop him in the eleventh round.
Rosario, a Puerto Rican boxer, had his own share of glory in the ring. He won back the WBA crown at 135lbs by stopping Anthony Jones in the sixth round. Sadly, Rosario passed away in 1997 at just 34 years old. His skills and impact on the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006.
Chavez's words remind us of the respect fighters have for each other, even years after their battles in the ring. It's a testament to the lasting impact these encounters have on boxers, long after the final bell has rung.
