Retired at 26 after defeating Arguello and only conclusively beaten in his prime by some guy named Duran. React!
I would check out his fight with Antonio Gomez first. It's on Youtube. Beautiful boxing clinic put on by Marcel.
Ernesto Neto Marcel was TKO'D by Roberto Duran on May 16 1970, in round 10, in Panama City, Panama. Marcel defeated Alexis Arguello, on Feb 16 1974, by unanimous 15 round decision in Panama City, Panama, to defend his WBA World Featherweight Title. Neto was a very slick boxer, good left jab and quick combinations, had a tough bout with Antonio Gomez,on July 14 1973, Ernesto won by TKO 12, in Panama, to defend his WBA title. He was quick enough to give anybody trouble.
Anyone have any idea about the stoppage of the Duran fight? The YouTube film is so bad it’s hard to really tell but the ref seems to just step in and stop it out of the blue. Duran had been getting through with regularity leading up to the stoppage and may have been on his way to chopping Ernesto down, but basically Roberto uppercuts him a few times in close (not huge shots, didn’t lift him off the canvas or snap his head way back, just good infighting) and the ref steps in to separate them and then suddenly waves it off.
It’s a very strange stoppage, isn’t it? It’s always puzzled me as it didn’t seem justified at all. It’s a bit like that Saldivar-Baby Luis stoppage - the ref suddenly waves it off and nobody is quite sure what the reason is.
Marcel wasn't throwing any punches and looked very tired but he didn't appear in trouble. It was strange. Perhaps the referee warned Marcel that he had to fight back or he'd stop it and he didn't. Anyway Duran was winning but it was a good competitive fight that show cased both guys qualities (Duran's relentless aggression, Marcel's smooth skills) though both men probably improved further afterwards, particularly Duran.
When you beat Alexis Arguello at 126, that screams you are dang good fighter! Possibly underrated historically .