Nicolino Locche changed boxing with a defense that exhausted rivals. From Mendoza, his skill to avoid blows filled stadiums and marked a milestone in sport. His style led him to be world champion, winning the respect of thousands for his intelligence in the ring.
Born in a modest family, this Mendoza faced the best with cunning. His reign as a champion attracted crowds, but his lack of aggressiveness and personal excesses generated criticism. His career left a legacy that combines unusual ability with decisions that divided opinions.
The untouchable, the third Argentine Boxing World Champion
Nicolino Locche, born in 1939 in Tunuyán, Mendoza, He started boxing at age eight at the Mocoroa Boxing Club. He debuted as a professional in 1958, standing out for his defense. In 1968, he conquered the world title welter junior, category of up to 63.5 kilos, In Tokyo.
Locche He defeated Paul Takeshi Fujii in nine assaults, when Hawaiian-Japonés left exhausted. His defensive style filled Luna Park, emblematic stadium in Buenos Aires. He defended the title six times until 1972, when he lost it to Alfonso Frazer in Panama.
Critics questioned their boxing for being not very aggressive, with only 14 knockouts in 117 victories of 136 fights. His chronic smoking damaged his health, leading him to cardiac arrest in 2005. Without those excesses, his career could have reached even greater achievements.
With 100%confidence: the anecdote with Cacho Fontana
In 1968, before his fight for the world boxing title, Nicolino Locche showed total confidence. Half an hour from the fight against Paul Takeshi Fujii in Tokyo, he fell asleep in the locker room. Its promoter, Juan Carlos Lectoure, woke it up, but Locche reacted calmly.
Cacho Fontana, transmission announcer, prepared two scripts: one for victory and one for defeat. Locche, sure of his triumph, broke the script of defeat saying: “You are not going to use this”. Then he smoked a cigarette and beat Fujii in nine assaults.
That relaxed attitude made him famous, but his smoking marked his career. The habit, evident before combat, contributed to his death in 2005. His trust was his strength, although his excesses generated criticism about his professionalism.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
