Luisito Espinosa
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Luisito Pio Espinosa (born June 26, 1967 in Tondo in the Philippines) was a boxer who won World titles in two different weight division.
Known as "Golden Boy" and "Lindol", Espinosa turned pro in 1984 and in 1989 won the WBA Bantamweight title by knocking out Khaokor Galaxy in the first round. He defended the belt twice before losing it to Israel Contreras in 1991. In 1995 he won the WBC Featherweight title by outpointing Manuel Medina. He defended the title seven times before losing the belt in 1999 to Cesar Soto. The following year, he challenged Guty Espadas Jr for the Vacant WBC Featherweight Title, but was outboxed and lost a technical decision after their fight was stopped after a clash of heads. Espinosa retired in 2005 after being knocked out by Cristobal Cruz.
Espinosa was the first Filipino fighter to win the world bantamweight championship and the only second to capture two world titles outside of Dodie Boy Penalosa. He has a son, John Louie, and a daughter, Janica, with estranged wife Mari Cherrie.
Promotional disputes left Espinosa with little, and he retired in 2005 after a public outcry for him to stop fighting. He currently is working as a stocker at Costco, a membership wholesale store chain [1].
Preceded by: Khaokor Galaxy |
WBA Bantamweight Champion 18 October 1989 – 19 October 1991 |
Succeeded by: Israel Contreras |
Preceded by: Manuel Medina |
WBC Featherweight Champion 11 December 1995 – 15 May 1999 |
Succeeded by: Cesar Soto |