What's everyone's thoughts on Victor Rabanales? El Lacandon doesn't seem to get talked about at all. His record seems to indicate he was a journeyman but he was actually a champion for a time. Very tough scrapper with a high workrate, sort of reminds me of Lupe Pintor. He was trained by ATG trainer Ignacio Beristáin. He also fought Greg Richardson at his first shot for the WBC but lost a disputed decision. He became WBC Bantamweight Champion when he beat Joichiro Tatsuyoshi in a thrilling fight. He would lose his title to Jung-Il Byun in a disputed decision in South Korea. He also had close decision losses to an undefeated Wayne McCullough and Sirimongkol Singwancha. Also worth noting that he was Rafael Marquez's very first opponent as a pro and stopped him in round 8 (which I still don't understand how anyone could have a beginner fight a former champ in their first fight). Here are some of his well known fights. His fight with Joichiro Tatsuyoshi is a helluva fight. This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected
Fun fighter, I saw him fight at the Forum. I thought that Javier Leon had a good chance to beat him- he was coming off victories over Paul Gonzalez and Fernie Morales and was a pretty good young fighter.
@ChrisJS Curious if you happen to know much about Rabanales or if Nacho Beristain has said told you anything about him. Would be great if you know some details about him.
This. I see Some of Limon in him but i dont think hes similar to Pintor at all. As to what Nacho tought of him ive read an interview where he says Rabanales was the most undiscisplined and the worst World Champion he had he also added that it was useless trying to teach him how to box like his fighters fought with his trademark style based on good fundamentals cause Rabanales just fought the way he did and didnt care about learning the basics and him (Nacho) stopped trying to teach him and just let him fight how he wanted.
I really should retract that statement. The more I see Rabanales the more I definitely see Limon, especially with those looping punches. Not sure how I could have made that Pintor comparison. Very interesting to hear that from Beristain but it also makes sense. Drugs and alcohol played a huge part in his life and that most likely led to his undisciplined training habits and losses.
I’ve never spoken to Nacho about him. Rabanales was definitely a fun fighter who fell under the radar as many south of the border sadly do.
Bump. A fighter that needs more appreciation. An awkward brawler yet so damn fun to watch. Video below is his bouts with Andujar and rematch with Tatsuyoshi and they are a doozy to watch. Great bantamweight fights along with his fight with McCullough. This content is protected This content is protected
Possibly the most loaded up uppercut I've ever seen. Street fighter tier lol. His bout against Tatsuyoshi is awesome. I know Joe was having troubles with his eye around this time. Bad issue to have with a tough guy like Rabanales. Very awkward, discordant and off-putting rhythm too. Definitely caught guys out with it.
