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The most hated boxer of all time- Ricardo Mayorga
- Larry Lightfinger
- Dec 4, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
Ricardo Mayorga, the most hated boxer:
The Nicaraguan boxer known as “El Matador,” is one of the most infamous-and fascinating-boxers you’ll ever meet. He’s a polarizing figure, to say the least.
That’s largely due to his unorthodox antics and brash personality, which have made him both loathed and admired in equal measure. (That’s a big part of what made him so unique in the sport’s history.)
His wild demeanor—both inside and outside the ring—only added to his appeal. Mayorga lights up the boxing world with his vibrant and dynamic personality, making him a memorable figure in the sport. That style—unorthodox punching and a willingness to take a beating—set him apart from his peers.
Born in Managua, Nicaragua, in 1973, Mayorga came from humble beginnings. He started his pro career in 1993, working his way up the ranks. That aggressive fighting style and knockout power caught the eye of promoter Don King.
Mayorga won his first world title by knocking out Jose Córdoba in the first round in 1999. He later won the WBA welterweight title from Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis by technical knockout in 2002.
Growing up in a tough neighborhood:
In Masaya, Nicaragua, Mayorga developed a strong sense of resilience and determination. He began boxing at a young age, training in the streets and local gyms of his hometown.
That toughness—developed in poverty with his parents and four siblings—served him well in his future boxing career. Mayorga spent six years in a gang as a teenager, but boxing became his passion and escape.
Mayorga turned pro in 1993, making his debut in Costa Rica at 19. He quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive style and relentless pressure. His early career was marked by a string of impressive victories, including a win over Jose Morales in his third pro fight.
What really set Mayorga apart was his larger-than-life persona and penchant for controversy. He was notorious for trash-talking, provocative gestures and behavior before and during fights.
Mayorga would light up the boxing world with his electrifying presence-and notorious reputation for trash-talking, smoking and drinking. His fights often turned into brawls due to his psychological tactics and challenges to his opponents’ manhood.
In the lead-up to his 2006 bout against Oscar De La Hoya, Mayorga’s antics included insulting De La Hoya’s wife, posing with a bottle of tequila and threatening to kill his opponent. That kind of behavior only added fuel to the fire of what was already a highly anticipated fight.
Mayorga’s behavior extended far beyond the ring. He was involved in various legal troubles, including allegations of domestic violence and drug use. In 2006, he was convicted of hotel room rape (though his conviction was appealed and he remained free during the process). Mayorga was arrested for fraud twice in one week in February 2007. Those incidents tarnished his reputation further.
Boxing has an unwritten code of sportsmanship that many fighters uphold. Ricardo Mayorga frequently disregarded that code, showing a lack of respect for his opponents and the sport itself. His actions were often seen as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike, drawing the ire of fans and fellow fighters.
Ricardo Mayorga’s name is synonymous with controversy. Before he traded in his boxing gloves for a pair of MMA shorts, Mayorga was a two-time world champion in both the welterweight and super welterweight divisions.
His 2003 victory over Vernon Forrest—where he became the unified welterweight champion—was a highlight of his boxing career. He held all three of the major belts: WBA, WBC and lineal welterweight titles that year. Then there was the WBC super welterweight title he won in 2005 and lost in 2006.
Mayorga’s boxing career was marked by big wins and even bigger personalities. That victory over Forrest in ‘03 was just one of two times he defeated the man. He successfully defended his titles twice during his career. And then there were the fights against Vernon Forrest and Andrew Lewis—two of his most notable victories.
In 2010, Mayorga shocked the boxing world by announcing he was leaving the ring for the Octagon. Signing with the UFC, he was met with raised eyebrows from many in the boxing community. They wondered if he could adapt to the demands of MMA. Mayorga was determined to prove them wrong. He fought his last professional boxing match on April 6, 2019—after a career spanning over 25 years.
That transition to MMA was marked by some high-profile fights, including one against Shane Mosley. Though he lost that fight, Mayorga showed he still had what it takes. He earned a reputation as a formidable opponent, even outside the boxing ring.
Personal struggles have haunted Mayorga throughout his life. He’s been open about his addiction and has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. There was the 2004 arrest, the allegations of abuse. And then there was the photo of him passed out drunk at a gas station in 2016. That was a wake-up call for him, and he’s been working to turn his life around since.
Mayorga has spoken publicly about his struggles and has sought treatment. He’s also been involved in charitable work, particularly with at-risk youth in his native Nicaragua. That’s where his heart is—and where he wants to make a difference.
Today, Mayorga is retired from both boxing and MMA. But his legacy lives on. He’s a figure in the boxing world, known for his exciting fighting style and unapologetic personality. His story is a testament to perseverance and determination. And he continues to inspire fans around the world.
Mayorga’s behavior, both in and out of the ring, left a mark on the sport of boxing.
That’s undeniable. But it also hindered his ability to build a lasting legacy as a respected champion. Despite his talent and the big fights he secured, his antics often overshadowed his in-ring achievements.
He won six world titles in two weight classes, with 26 of his 32 wins coming by way of knockout. He fought 46 professional fights, with 32 wins, 12 losses and one draw.
That lack of discipline outside the ring took a toll on his career. His struggles with weight and substance abuse led to inconsistent performances. He faded from the upper echelons of the sport. And though he had moments of success and excitement in the ring, his behavior and controversies have overshadowed his boxing career.
Ricardo Mayorga’s status as the most hated boxer of all time is a title he earned through a combination of his provocative behavior, lack of sportsmanship and legal troubles. While he had moments of success and excitement in the ring, his antics and actions have overshadowed his career. He serves as a cautionary tale in the world of professional sports: talent alone isn’t enough to secure a lasting legacy.
Early Life and Professional Boxing
Ricardo Mayorga was born on October 3rd, 1973, in the gritty streets of Masaya, Nicaragua. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Mayorga developed a strong sense of resilience and determination that would serve him well in his future boxing career.
From a young age, he found solace in the sport of boxing, training in the streets and local gyms of his hometown. This early exposure to the sport, combined with his natural toughness, set the foundation for his future success.
At just 19 years old, Mayorga turned professional, making his debut in Costa Rica in 1993. His aggressive fighting style and relentless pressure quickly made him a standout in the boxing community.
Despite facing a series of wins and losses early in his career, Mayorga’s ability to take a punch and keep moving forward earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent. His early victories, including a notable win over Jose Morales in his third professional fight, showcased his potential and set the stage for his rise in the boxing world.
Career
Mayorga’s big break came in 2000 when he knocked out Adolpho Salazar to win the WBA Fedelatin super-welterweight title. This victory caught the attention of the legendary promoter Don King, who saw potential in the brash Nicaraguan fighter. King signed Mayorga to a contract, setting the stage for his ascent in the boxing world.
In 2002, Mayorga faced Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis for the WBA welterweight title. In a stunning display of power and aggression, Mayorga won the fight via a 5th round technical knockout, becoming the new WBA welterweight champion. This victory was a turning point in his career, propelling him into the spotlight.
Mayorga’s crowning achievement came in 2003 when he faced Vernon Forrest, the reigning WBC welterweight champion. In a thrilling bout, Mayorga knocked out Forrest to become the unified WBA (Unified) and WBC welterweight champion.
This victory solidified his status as one of the top fighters in the welterweight division and showcased his ability to compete at the highest level.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
In 2013, Ricardo Mayorga made the surprising decision to transition to mixed martial arts, signing with the UFC.
Despite having no prior experience in MMA, Mayorga was eager to test his skills in a new discipline. His move to MMA was met with skepticism from many in the boxing community, but Mayorga was determined to prove his doubters wrong.
Mayorga competed in four fights for the UFC, but his transition to MMA was far from smooth. He struggled to adapt to the different demands of the sport and ultimately went winless in his MMA career.
One of his most notable fights was against Elias Cruz, which ended in a no-contest due to an accidental headbutt. Despite the challenges and controversies, Mayorga’s foray into MMA demonstrated his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and take on new challenges.
Notable Fights and Rivalries
Mayorga’s career was marked by several notable fights and rivalries that captivated boxing fans around the world. One of his most famous fights was against Oscar De La Hoya in 2006.
Leading up to the fight, Mayorga’s trash-talking reached new heights as he insulted De La Hoya’s wife and made bold threats. Despite being a significant underdog, Mayorga gave De La Hoya a tough challenge before ultimately losing via a 6th round technical knockout.
Another significant rivalry in Mayorga’s career was with Vernon Forrest. Their first encounter in 2003 was a thrilling bout that saw Mayorga win via a 3rd round technical knockout, capturing the unified WBA and WBC welterweight titles.
The two fighters faced off again later that year, with Mayorga winning a hard-fought 12-round majority decision. These fights with Forrest were some of the highlights of Mayorga’s career, showcasing his power and tenacity in the ring.
Fighting Style and Controversies
Ricardo Mayorga was known for his aggressive and unorthodox fighting style, which often left his opponents bewildered. His willingness to take punches and keep moving forward made him a formidable opponent.
But it wasn’t just his fighting style that made headlines; Mayorga was also infamous for his trash-talking and psychological tactics.
He had a knack for getting inside his opponents’ heads, often using provocative gestures and insults to throw them off their game.
However, Mayorga’s career was also marred by controversy. In 2006, he was convicted of rape, a conviction that was later appealed.
His hard-partying lifestyle, which included smoking and drinking, often made headlines and added to his notorious reputation. Despite these controversies, Mayorga remains a beloved figure in the boxing world, known for his exciting fighting style and ability to entertain. His story serves as a reminder that talent and charisma can make a lasting impact, even in the face of personal and professional challenges..