When you talk about boxing perfection, Ricardo López checks every box. Be it for flawless footwork, airtight defense, or every offensive tool you can imagine. And while most fans today instantly think of Canelo Álvarez when you mention a Mexican boxing champion, López quietly built one of the most remarkable careers in the sport’s history, without nearly enough recognition.
López retired undefeated with an incredible record of 51 wins, 0 losses, and just 1 draw, way before being undefeated became the benchmark for all modern boxers. Dominating as WBC minimumweight champion for 8 whole years, the Cuernavaca native defended his title 21 times before moving up to become a two-division world champion. Sure, Floyd Mayweather had an amazing 21-year run, but Ricardo López, in just 16 years, arguably built an even cleaner resume. Yet somehow, barely anyone talks about him anymore. How wild is that?
But recently, Ricardo López’s name has resurfaced again. And sadly, it’s not for a reason anyone would have hoped for. Just a few hours ago, FinoBoxing shared a post on Instagram that shook the boxing world. “While getting inducted into the National boxing hall of fame, Mexican legend reveals his fighting bone cancer,” the caption read. According to Elie Seckbach of ES News, the boxing legend was diagnosed with cancer last February.
In the clip, Ricardo López bravely opened up about his battle with cancer. But he didn’t leave us with just the heavy news. He quickly reassured everyone that, thanks to God and the support of his family, he’s winning this fight. Though he is still weak, he is definitely winning the fight. Just like he did inside the ring, he reminded us that in life, too, you have to keep fighting until the final bell. And true to the legacy he built across decades, López made it clear—the International Boxing Hall of Famer is still undefeated, both in the ring and in life.
At 59 years old, Ricardo “Finito” López holds a place in boxing history that only a few can even dream of. Being the 7th male champion to retire undefeated, he shares the record for the most consecutive title bouts without a loss (twenty-six) alongside legends like Joe Louis and Floyd Mayweather Jr. His incredible streak started way back in 1990 when he knocked out Hideyuki Ohashi in the 5th round to win the WBC mini flyweight title and ended with an 8th-round knockout win over Zolani Petelo in 2001 while defending the IBF junior flyweight title. Talk about continuous dominance!
To put things into perspective, by the time Money Mayweather was just turning pro in 1996, López had already racked up 17 wins. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, on October 2, 1999, he became a two-division world champion after outpointing Will Grigsby to grab the IBF light flyweight belt.
And when López finally decided to hang up his gloves on October 25, 2002—exactly 12 years after winning his first world title—he left behind a flawless legacy and smoothly transitioned into life as a boxing broadcaster with Mexico’s Televisa network. But when news recently broke about his private battle with cancer, fans everywhere were heartbroken.
Why Ricardo Lopez stayed humble while Floyd Mayweather took the spotlight
One fan summed it up perfectly, relieved that Ricardo López came out on top once again, writing, “At the end he says he already beat it, he remains undefeated .” Another user pointed out something a lot of boxing fans might forget: “This man had 50/ 0 way before Mayweather and he never bragged about it.” And it’s true—while Floyd Mayweather’s name is still everywhere thanks to his business ventures and self-promotion, López quietly built one of the best resumes in boxing history without the flash and noise. Just pure greatness, fight after fight.
Fans didn’t just admire his skills—they were pouring out their prayers and support, too. One wrote, “ Mucha Fuerza, Tu puedes Guerrero “ which translates to ‘Much Strength, You Can, Warrior’. And honestly, warrior is the perfect word for him. For 12 straight years since turning pro in 1985, López delivered knockout after knockout, with his only blemish being a draw against Rosendo Alvarez in March 1998—a wrong he quickly righted just eight months later with a split decision win in Las Vegas.
The love kept coming in. “Legend of the boxing game,” another fan simply said. Others sent their blessings, writing heartfelt messages like, “Muchas bendiciones y que Dios te bendiga” which translates to ‘Many blessings and God bless you’.
And finally, one fan said what we were all thinking: “Goat! ” because no matter what, Ricardo López’s place among the greatest is set in stone. With that said, all we can do now is hope and pray for his full recovery—and wish him a long, healthy life ahead.
The post Sad News Strikes as Boxing Icon With Superior Record to Floyd Mayweather Reveals Cancer Battle appeared first on EssentiallySports.