4. Miguel Canto (61-9-4, 15 KO)

Born: Jan. 30, 1949

 

He didn't possess devasting power in his punches, Miguel Canto would hardly be considered a soft touch.  The Mexican-born champion was an action fighter who overwhelmed his opponents with a high-punch rate and a proficient attack.

 

In a career that spanned from 1969 to 1982, Canto engaged in 74 total bouts.  While most of his early fights took place in Mexico, once he became the WBC flyweight champion he defended his title all over the world.  Canto engaged in title fights in Mexico, the United States, Venezuela, Japan and South Korea.

 

Canto, who stands 5'1'', first challenged for the WBC flyweight title in 1973 and lost a 15-round decision to Betulio Gonzalez.  Two years later, he met Shoji Oguma in Japan for the vacant crown and won a 15-round decision to become champion.  Canto and Oguma were ranked number one and two respectively by the WBC.

 

For four years, Canto went unbeaten and set a division-record by making 14 successful title defenses.  During that span he avenged his earlier defeat against Gonzalez and beat Oguma twice more.  Oguma would later go on to win the WBC title as did Antonio Avela, another Canto victim.

 

On March 18, 1979, Canto's reign finally came to an end when he dropped a 15-round decision to Chan-Hee Park in Pusan, South Korea.  Coming into the contest, Canto (14) had more title defenses than Park (11) had fights.  They fought a rematch six months later and Canto managed to earn a draw in Seoul, South Korea.

 

Canto fought sporadically through 1982 and lost four of his last five fights.