Aquiles Guzman: The Unorthodox Venezuelan Boxing Champion
Aquiles José Guzmán Matute (born April 13, 1965) is a Venezuelan former professional boxer who held the WBA flyweight world title in 1992. Known as “El Tanquecito,” he boxed professionally from 1985 to 2001.
A brief WBA title reign
On September 26, 1992, Guzmán defeated defending champion Yong-Kang Kim by decision in South Korea to win the WBA flyweight title. His reign lasted until December 15, when David Grimán beat him by unanimous decision in Caracas. Grimán became champion in that first defense of Guzmán’s belt.
Guzmán later challenged for world titles against Saen Sor Ploenchit, Alimi Goitia, and Yokthai Sithoar, but did not win those bouts. His career record is listed as 14 wins, 14 losses, and three draws.
One early bout in Guzmán’s career ended in tragedy. Gregorio Padrino collapsed after losing a four-round flyweight contest to Guzmán in Maracaibo in March 1986 and died from head injuries two days later, according to contemporary reporting.
Guzmán’s world-title reign lasted less than three months, and his first defense became the end of it. The later title challenges show he remained in the world-level picture, even though none produced another championship. His record also needs to be read beside the documented tragedy involving Padrino, rather than as a simple list of wins and losses.
Sources
- BoxRec, WBA flyweight title history
- BoxRec, boxer profile and career record
- Los Angeles Times, report on Gregorio Padrino’s death
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
