Antonio Esparragoza
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Antonio Esparragoza Betancourt (born September 2, 1959 in Cumana, Sucre, Venezuela) was a boxer in the Featherweight division.
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[edit] Amateur career
Esparragoza represented Venezuela as a Featherweight at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. His results were:
1st round bye
- Lost to Peter Hanlon (Great Britain) 1-4
[edit] Professional career
Esparragoza turned pro in 1981 and after largely fighting unproven fighters in his native Venezuela was granted a shot at WBA Featherweight Title holder Steve Cruz in 1987. Esparragoza pulled off an upset with a TKO in the 12th round. Esparragoza defended the title seven times before losing the belt to Yong Kyun Park in 1991 via unanimous decision. He retired after the loss.
Due to his incredible knockout power, Moreno was named to the Ring Magazine's list of 100 Greatest Punchers.
| Preceded by Steve Cruz |
WBA Featherweight Champion 6 Mar 1987– 30 Mar 1991 |
Succeeded by Yong-Kyun Park |
