Ismael Laguna Reclaimed the Lightweight Championship Five
Ismael Laguna regained the world lightweight championship by stopping Mando Ramos in the ninth round on March 3, 1970. The Panamanian boxer had first won the crown against Carlos Ortiz in 1965.
The first championship reign
A native of Colón, Laguna turned professional in 1960 and became Panamanian featherweight champion in 1962. He moved to lightweight and defeated Ortiz by decision on April 10, 1965.
After drawing with Nicolino Locche, Laguna lost the championship back to Ortiz over fifteen rounds. Ortiz also won their third meeting in 1967. Laguna’s wider opposition included Carlos Hernández and Flash Elorde.
The second reign and Hall of Fame
Following his 1970 victory over Ramos, Laguna successfully defended against Ishimatsu Suzuki. Ken Buchanan then took the title from him and won their rematch.
Laguna retired in 1971 with sixty-five wins, nine defeats and one draw, including thirty-seven knockout victories. The International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted him in 2001.
Born on June 28, 1943, Laguna combined a strong jab with punching power and resilience. His victory over Hernández came by eighth-round stoppage, while Elorde beat him over ten rounds. Despite those assignments and repeated title challenges, Laguna was never knocked to the canvas during his seventy-five bouts, a distinction noted in his Hall of Fame biography.
