Carlos Maussa

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Carlos "El Apóstol" Maussa was born in Montería, Colombia on September 24, 1971. Maussa was raised in the Santa Fe neighborhood of Montería, a city located in the banks of the Sinú river, where he began his impressive amateur career, which ultimately brought him just nine defeats in 130 bouts. Maussa was named National Champion four times and was also crowned the Central American champion. In July 2000, at the age of 29, he turned pro. He gained the nickname “The Apostle” by his frequent preaching of the Christian gospel.

On 25 June 2005, he entered the popular consciousness of boxing fans with an upset win by KO against WBA light-welterweight titlist Vivian Harris. This exciting victory made Maussa a new champion in boxing’s most competitive division.

The bout was notable for a number of reasons: Harris was an overwhelming favorite and is regarded as one of the best boxers at the weight and Maussa’s awkwardly clever style and frequent clowning gestures and facial expressions lent him an air of amateurishness. Near the end of the seventh round Maussa delivered a stunning left hook, KO-ing Harris. While Harris lay face-down on the mat, Maussa rushed over to throw another punch. The ropes absorbed the impact of the blow. Still, this act has led to much controversy, as the hit could have disqualified Maussa. After the match, however, the bout referees ruled that the late hit was “insignificant”, allowing Maussa to keep his title. When interviewed about this punch, Maussa claimed he didn't connect with Harris on purpose, and that his sole intention was to impress the fallen Harris in case he had any desire to fight on.

Maussa has recently been afforded some level of adulation and publicity. It remains to be seen whether he possesses the boxing ability to match his mystique.

On 26 November 2005 Maussa lost his WBA title to IBF title-holder, Ricky Hatton, in a unification bout.

Preceded by Vivian Harris

WBA Light Welterweight Champion 25 Jun 2005– 26 Nov 2005

Succeeded by Ricky Hatton

[edit] External links

• Maussa Boxing Record
• Harris stunned by wildman Maussa
• The least expected Apostle
• Maussa's notorious knock-out of Vivian Harris
• Maussa shadow-boxing

Previous champion Vivian Harris

WBA World Light-Welterweight Champion June 25, 2005 - November 26, 2005

Next champion Ricky Hatton