Hilario zapata biography of martin
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Known for his tremendous boxing skills and exceptionally fast hand and foot speed, Zapata's professional record is 43-10-1 (15 KOs).
Born: August 19, 1958
Bouts: 54
Won: 43
Lost: 10
Draw: 1
KOs: 15
Induction: 2016
Hilario Zapata
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He had a fast ascent to the top: By his fifth bout, on July 1 of 1978, he was meeting former world Flyweight champion Juan Guzman in Panama City, beating Guzman by a decision in ten.
An agile southpaw, Zapata began boxing as an amateur in 1974 before making his professional debut in 1977. A win against Moon would have made Zapata a member of the exclusive group of world boxing champions in three different weight categories or more.
It can also be added that Zapata's first pair of boxing gloves, when he was 12, came as a present from Duran himself.
Panamanian newspaper El Panama America declared recently on one of their editorials that Zapata, according to their opinion, should be inducted to the International Boxing Hall Of Fame soon.
Zapata had a record of 43 wins and 10 losses, with 1 draw, and 15 wins by knockout.
Born August 19, 1958 in Panama City, Panama.
Then, he beat future world champion and Zapata-conqueror Jung Koo Chang by a decision in 15 in Chonju, and he closed out the year with a rematch against Tomori in Tokyo, knocking Tomori out in eight rounds.
On March 26 of 1983, Zapata and Chang met again in South Korea, and this time, Chang became world champion by knocking Zapata out in the third round.
On July 20, Zapata regained the world title by beating Tomori on a 15 round decision in Japan. He recaptured the title from Tadashi Tomori and defended it two times before dropping the title to Jung-Koo Chang in South Korea. His ability to maintain a high level of performance over the course of grueling 15-round battles was a testament to his dedication and physical conditioning.
Beyond his accomplishments in the ring, Zapata was widely respected for his humility and sportsmanship.
His fights were often characterized by intense exchanges, strategic maneuvering, and a never-say-die attitude that endeared him to fans worldwide.
One of Zapata’s most notable achievements was his remarkable endurance and longevity in the ring. In 1985, he moved up to the flyweight division and claimed the WBA world title, further solidifying his legacy as a versatile and skilled boxer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Zapata engaged in numerous memorable battles, displaying his technical prowess, relentless work ethic, and indomitable spirit.
He participated in numerous championship rounds, cementing his reputation as a fighter with exceptional stamina and resilience. He defended his title against Chi-Bok Kim, winning a 15 round unanimous decision in South Korea, agaisnt Hector Rey Melendez in Venezuela, winning also by a 15 round decision, against Nakajima in a Tokyo rematch, winning by knockout in 11, and against Reynaldo Becerra in Venezuela.
His remarkable career spanned from 1977 to 1993, during which he showcased his exceptional skills and unwavering determination in the ring.
Zapata’s journey to greatness began in the light flyweight division, where he captured the WBC title twice, first in 1980 and then regaining it in 1982. His reign as the WBC light flyweight champion was marked by numerous successful title defenses against formidable opponents from around the globe.
Not content with his accomplishments in the lower weight class, Zapata set his sights on greater challenges.
His name will forever be etched alongside the greats who have graced the squared circle, serving as an inspiration to aspiring boxers and a source of pride for the nation of Panama.
Hilario Zapata was the fourteenth Panamanian to conquer a Championship Belt also, the boxer with the shortest record when we won the title.
He turned professional in 1977.
In 1984 Zapata unsuccessfully challenged Santos Laciar (L 15) for the WBA flyweight title.
Eight successful title defenses followed before losing his title to Amado Ursua in 1982. He retained the title also against Shuichi Hozumi, Dodie Penalosa, Alberto Castro and Claudemir Calvalho, all by decision, before losing it to Fidel Bassa of Colombia, also by a decision.
In 1993, he tried to become a world champion once again, but was knocked out in the first round by the WBC world Jr.
Bantamweight champion Sunkil Moon.
Hilario Zapata: Panama’s Two-Weight World Champion Boxer
Hilario Zapata, born on August 19, 1958, in Panama City, Panama, was a former professional boxer who etched his name in the annals of boxing history as a world champion in two weight classes.
On March 24, 1980, at the age of 21 and with a record of 10-1, Zapata won the World Boxing Council minimum title in Japan when defeated Shigeo Nakajima.
He defended his title 8 times on his opponent backyards; He made an average of four fights a year.
In 1982 he loses his title with Amado “Panterita” Ursúa, to regain the title five months later from Tadashi Tomori in Japan.
Zapata lost a 15 round decision that night, but in 1986, after Laciar had vacated the crown, the WBA gave him a second chance, and he beat Alonzo Gonzalez to win the WBA world Flyweight championship. Zapata suffered his first loss in the fight against Lopez, when he was beaten by a decision in 12.
He started 1979 with a fight against Ramon Perez in Puerto Rico, winning by a knockout in nine.
Then, on November 10 at Las Vegas, on the Marvin Hagler-Roberto Duran undercard, Zapata was beaten by a knockout in 10 by Harold Petty.
His career seemingly over, he quickly recovered from those back to back losses and began winning again, but this time as a Flyweight. This time he conquered the World Boxing Association belt.