For boxing fans, the so-called "bell to bell" confrontation is probably very attractive to enjoy the sport of boxing, whether live or through the device of the moment.
The battles fought in the ring within that context have been extensively discussed throughout more than a hundred years of history. However, there have been other boxers who, through sheer defensive prowess, brought down giants, like Don Quixote, and defeated more than one opponent, cementing their names in legend.
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One of them, without a doubt, was the Argentinian Nicolino Locche, super lightweight or junior welterweight champion who earned the nickname "The Untouchable", precisely because of his skill in being able to strike and counterattack, leaving his rivals out of range almost all the time.
Master of masters
Nicolino Locche was born in Tuyunán, a department located in the Uco Valley, Mendoza province in Argentina and died on September 7, 2005. A native of Mendoza, he saw boxing as a way to earn a living and he more than lived up to expectations.
He debuted on December 11, 1958 in an Argentine suburb and throughout his 18-year career he finished with 117 wins (14 by KO), 4 losses, 14 draws and one No Contest in a whopping 136 fights.
The number of wins by knockout suggests he wasn't a boxer whose strength lay in his punching power. But the proportion of his four losses made it clear he was an expert at dodging.
Thus, he revolutionized the art of defense, fighting practically with his hands down, close to the ropes, dodging entire bursts of blows with only movements of his waist, torso and neck within millimeters of the opponent's glove, while smiling at the public or talking to the photographers, something that sometimes put him in an uncomfortable situation from an extra-boxing point of view.
Morocho and Pambelé
Much could be said about the great fights Locche had over almost two decades. However, let's remember that he came to the world's attention ten years after his debut, when on December 12, 1968, he dethroned Takeshi Fuji as WBA lightweight champion in Japan with a TKO in the 10th round.
He faced Venezuelan Carlos “Morocho” Hernández, the first Venezuelan world champion, on May 3, 1969, and won by unanimous decision in 15 rounds. “Morocho” had already lost his title and was trying to regain it, and despite being in the twilight of his career, he was able to knock Locche down in the third round at Luna Park.
After two more defenses, he faced the Colombian-Venezuelan Antonio Cervantes, "Kid Pambelé," in that Buenos Aires arena, and Locche won by a narrow margin.
But, after being dethroned on March 10, 1972 by Alfonso “Peppermint” Frazer in Panama, he saw the face - a year later - of “Pambelé” who was then the universal monarch.
The "César Girón" Maestranza in Maracay - packed to capacity - witnessed how Cervantes made history by being the only boxer - in 136 fights - who was able to beat Locche before the limit by technical knockout in ten rounds.
