Robinson Cuesta: Panamanian IBF Title Challenger
Robinson Cuesta was a Panamanian professional boxer who challenged Michael Carbajal for the IBF light-flyweight championship in 1992. He reached world-title contention after building an unbeaten professional record in Panama. BoxerList’s record dates his pro debut to 1989.
Cuesta entered the December 12, 1992 title bout unbeaten at 23–0, according to a preview published by the Los Angeles Times. In Phoenix, Carbajal retained his IBF title with an eighth-round technical knockout. The newspaper’s fight report said the referee stopped the contest with 55 seconds left in the round.
Cuesta later fought professionally in Panama and the United States. BoxerList records a 25–4 career and lists his final bout in 1995.
Building a record in Panama
Cuesta’s early schedule took him to venues in Colon City, Panama City and other parts of Panama. He defeated Alejandro Solis on his professional debut in August 1989 and met Solis again that November, winning both bouts by decision. During 1991, his victories included a unanimous decision over Santos Becerra and stoppages of Mario Carazo, Alcides Hernandez, Roger Guevara and Roy Thompson.
Those domestic appearances preceded the biggest opportunity of his career against Carbajal. The championship challenge also places Cuesta in the history of the 108-pound division during a period when Carbajal was establishing himself as one of its leading champions.
Results after the title challenge
Cuesta returned to winning form against Leon Salazar in May 1993 and defeated Reynaldo Samaniego in September 1994. His subsequent opponents included Carlos Murillo in Panama and Jose De Jesus and Jesse Magana at the Great Western Forum in California. These later results complete the picture of a short professional career that included both domestic success and international competition.
Sources
Sources: Los Angeles Times preview · Los Angeles Times report · BoxerList career record
Career records and reporting: boxrec.com.
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
