Hugo Soto: The Unsung Hero of Boxing
Hugo Rafael Soto is an Argentine former professional boxer from Catamarca. His career included challenges for the WBC flyweight and WBO super-flyweight titles, and a 1998 victory that made him the WBA flyweight champion.
A title contender
Soto turned professional in 1988 and built a record of 39 wins, one loss and two draws before challenging WBC flyweight champion Yuri Arbachakov in 1994. Arbachakov stopped him in the eighth round. In 1996, Soto also challenged WBO super-flyweight champion Johnny Tapia, losing a unanimous decision.
WBA flyweight champion
On May 29, 1998, Soto defeated Venezuela’s José Bonilla by split decision in Las Vegas to win the WBA flyweight title. The Argentine newspaper La Nación reported the victory, and the WBA lists Soto among its flyweight champions. Soto lost the belt in his first defense: Leo Gámez knocked him out in the third round at Madison Square Garden on March 13, 1999.
Later career
Soto continued fighting through 2004 and competed across several weight classes. BoxRec records 55 wins, 10 losses and two draws, with two no-contests.
Sources
- World Boxing Association: Hugo Rafael Soto profile
- La Nación: Soto wins the WBA flyweight title (May 30, 1998)
- World Boxing Association: Leo Gámez biography and 1999 title win
- BoxRec: Hugo Rafael Soto professional record
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
