Over the last couple of years I have gone out of my way to acquaint myself with this oft-ignored weight class. Minimumweight, sometimes also referred to as Strawweight (WBC) or Mini Flyweight (IBF/WBO) is the lightest of all weight classes where its diminutive warriors weigh no more than 105lbs. It is a relatively new weight category for professionals, first inaugurated by the sanctioning bodies between the years 1987 and 1990.
Forget the fact that many of the fighters barely exceed the dimensions of most twelve year-olds, or that a few of them look better suited for duty as an paper weight or horse racing jockey, it’s a division chalk-full of focus, skill, marked athleticism, fire and talent. Having searched the web for hardcore fans that were willing to share some of their fight videos featuring today’s talent pool at 105lbs, I came away with the realization that not only were the vast majority of North American and European fans not paying attention to this weight class, more than a handful of the fans that I dealt with weren’t even clear on its existence. If anything, the minimumweight division enjoys its greatest following among those from the lower Asian basin with a sprinkling of followers from South Africa, Mexico and Central America.
After having reviewed no less than a couple dozen token matches, all of which occurred within the last five years, I was amazed at the talent level and willingness of each of these diminutive warriors. Nobody came in fat. The term “listless” never once applied and the description “pedestrian” at no time factored into the mix. Another point to be considered; none of these fighters are overpaid PPV stars or tied to the interests of a high powered promoter or cable network. They fight often for relatively reasonable money and they almost always give fans cluck for their buck. Here is brief overview of the current titlists and a few division notables, adding color to a weight class chalk full of talent, ready to explode, if quietly and virtually unnoticed, somewhere on the other side of the globe in a dark and most probably packed, smoky arena.Oleydong Sithsamerchai (Thailand) – 34-0, 12 KO’s
The Thai is smooth boxing southpaw stylist that won the WBC minimumweight title back in November 2007. To date he has successfully defended that title five times, his most recent bout being a close and tenuous close call against the former OPBF minimumweight titlist and world-rated Yasutaka Kuroki. Struggled with the tactically sound and stronger Kuroki, suggesting that his shortage of punching power may be an insurmountable deficit at the highest levels. What he lacks in power he makes up for in boxing acumen and volume punching. His next scheduled defense is set for September 25th against the 17-1 Juan Hernandez, a volatile if somewhat raw orthodox power puncher who poses a distinct threat to his current reign.
Roman Gonzalez (Nicaragua) – 25-0, 21 KO’s
Arguably the most marketable and compelling fighter currently staking a claim in the division, the orthodox “El Chocolatito” won the WBA World minimumweight title in September 2008 and has made three successful defenses to date. Has two-fisted punching power as evidenced by his high knockout ratio including seven first-round stoppages but is known best for his vaunted left hook. Has at-times struggled in bouts with slick stylists but to date has effectively pressured past such tense situations. He gained international prominence with an explosive 1st round knockout over rated Jose Luis Varela. Stopped the normally durable Eriberto Gejon in one round with a single shot to the body. May be outgrowing the division as evidenced in his struggle with the aging Rosas. His next scheduled title defense is penciled in for October against an opponent yet to be announced. Beyond that a high-stakes unification bout with WBC titlist Oleydong Sithsamerchai or a potentially thrilling title defense against the next man on this list would be a magnificent, high octane match-up.
Raul Garcia (Mexico) – 27-1-1, 16 KO’s
The southpaw “Rayito” edged the complicated and durable Florante Condes by split twelve-round decision in his hometown for the IBF minimumweight title in June 2008. He kept a busy schedule and successfully defended that title four times. His most recent bout saw him comprehensively outpointed by Nkosinathi Joyi, a complicated southpaw stylist. A busy right jab and thudding hook compliment his go-forward, all action style. Outside of a rematch with Joyi, a potentially explosive challenge of the undefeated Roman Gonzalez for the WBA World title or an intriguing second go-round with Condes in a neutral locale would go a long way towards keeping his name at the forefront of the division as well as erasing any lingering questions about their first encounter.
Nkosinathi Joyi (South Africa) – 21-0, 15 KO’s
Southpaw “Mabere” won the IBO minimumweight title back in November 2007. He successfully defended that title twice before scoring a shutout twelve-round unanimous decision over Florante Condes, the all encompassing division gatekeeper and the former IBF minimumweight champion in an IBF title eliminator. This past March he won the IBF minimumweight title with yet another shut-out unanimous decision, in the process handing the then undefeated Raul Garcia his first official career defeat.
Donnie Nietes (Philippines) – 26-1-3, 15 KO’s
His nickname “Ahas” which is Tagalog for “snake” comes from the way he approaches the ring with a python around his neck. Fighting out of the orthodox stance, “Ahas” annexed the WBO minimumweight title way back in September 2007. He has made only three successful defenses of that title to date having experienced foe pull-outs on three separate occasions. His most recent win was an impressive 10th round stoppage of Jesus Silvestre in a non-title tiff. Before that he struggled to hold onto his title posting a curious split decision over the experienced and world-rated Manuel Vargas in a bout he looked to be in complete control of. He is expected to prevail against journeyman Mario Rodriguez in his next scheduled title defense.
Florante Condes (Philippines) – 23-5-1, 20 KO’s
“Little Pacquiao”, an alias that speaks to Condes’ crowd pleasing fighting style, stance and considerable punching power, is the former IBF minimumweight champion, having lost his title to Raul Garcia back in June 2008. Lost a wide unanimous decision to Nkosinathi Joyi in an IBF title eliminator back in June 2009 and has since somewhat fallen off the radar. He is currently scheduled to return on August 28th against tune-up foe Sofyan Effendi. Undoubtedly the division gatekeeper and the man to get by if one wishes to move forward towards an eliminator or title shot. He is wildly popular in the Philippines and another title run is not out of the question given his experience and time-proven resilience.
I cannot help but think of minimumweight as being in a state much like the cruiserweight division in that nobody or almost nobody talks about it. It is in fact a weight class with a lot of potentially explosive and entertaining match-ups, sporting an array of talented warriors from all around the globe. Take the time to catch a few of these fighters the next time you have the opportunity to watch them in action. I am certain you will come away impressed, entertained and infinitely more satisfied than if you had watched any of the big names today at heavyweight. Remember, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight that counts, but rather, the realization that sheer skill and sometimes dynamite often comes in small packages.
Source: ringsidereport.com
