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Michael Carbajal

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Michael Carbajal
Carbajal in 2023
Born (1967-09-17) September 17, 1967 (age 57)
Phoenix, U.S.
Other namesManitas de Piedra (Little Hands of Stone)
Statistics
Weight(s)Light Flyweight
Height5 ft 5.5 in (1.66 m)
Reach63 in (160 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights53
Wins49
Wins by KO33
Losses4
Medal record
Men's boxing
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 1988 Seoul Light flyweight
Pan American Games
Silver medal – second place 1987 Indianapolis Light Flyweight

Michael Carbajal (born September 17, 1967) is an American five-time world boxing champion of Mexican descent. His nickname was "Little Hands of Stone" after his favorite boxer, "Hands of Stone" Roberto Durán.[1]

Amateur career

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Carbajal had an amateur record of 94-9 and won a silver medal as a light flyweight at 1988 Seoul Olympics in South Korea.

Highlights

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1988 Olympic Results

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Below are the results of Michael Carbajal, an American light flyweight boxer who competed at the 1988 Seoul Olympics:

There were suspicions of politics influencing the judges in Carbajal's decision loss in the gold medal bout.[3]

Professional career

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Seven months after the Olympics, in February 1989, Carbajal made his debut in front of a national television audience as part of the card where Duran became a four-time world champion by beating Iran Barkley in Atlantic City. In his first fight, Carbajal outboxed another future world champion, Will Grigsby.

Carbajal followed that win with a spectacular first-round knockout of Silviano Perez on NBC. In his tenth bout, he met Pedro Feliciano, handling him a ten-round beating. Four more wins followed, and Carbajal was presented with an opportunity to fight for a world championship.

IBF light flyweight title

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On July 29, 1990, Carbajal faced Muangchai Kittikasem, who came to Phoenix from Thailand to defend his IBF light flyweight championship. Carbajal methodically took apart the champion in front of an ABC national audience. In round 7, after a combination of punches left Kittikasem lying defenseless against the ropes, the referee stepped in and stopped the fight, making Carbajal the world champion for the first time in his career.

Carbajal began a string of twelve victories over the next two and a half years, including six title defenses against challengers such as Leon Salazar, Hector Patri, Kim Kwang-Sun and Robinson Cuesta, and a win over future champion Jesus Chong in a non-title fight.

Unification against Humberto "Chiquita" Gonzalez

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He then fought a highly anticipated unification match with WBC champion Humberto González on March 13, 1993. Carbajal and Gonzalez became the first Junior Flyweights in history to earn a million dollar purse, and it was the first Junior Flyweight "superfight" and championship bout to headline a Pay Per View event.

Carbajal was downed in rounds 2 and 5, and he was bleeding from his right eyebrow when he blasted a tremendous left hand to the side of Gonzalez's chin in the seventh round. Gonzalez turned sideways, and Carbajal landed another right hand that sent him to the canvas. Gonzalez could not beat the count, and Michael Carbajal had unified the world's Junior Flyweight championship in The Ring's fight of the year. He would also be named fighter of the year for 1993.[4]

Many television endorsement deals followed, including printed and television ads for Diet Pepsi and Emergency Chiropractic, but trouble seemed to follow, as well. He was accused of firing gunshots onto the roof of a party in Scottsdale.

This unwanted attention seemed to take its toll on Carbajal, and after two additional defenses, he fought Gonzalez once again in a pay-per-view match in Los Angeles, California. In his 11th world title fight, Carbajal suffered the first loss of his career as he was defeated by a controversial 12 round split decision.

WBO light flyweight title

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Carbajal next took on former sparring partner Abner Barajas, winning by a fifth-round knockout in Laughlin, Nevada, and then was given another shot at a world title by the WBO title holder Josue Camacho, who came from Puerto Rico to the challenger's hometown to defend his title. Carbajal put on a brilliant performance and won a unanimous twelve-round decision over Camacho.

A title holder again, Carbajal set to try to recover his International Boxing Federation and WBC belts against Gonzalez in a third unification bout between the boxers. In November 1994, three months after the Camacho victory, they met once again, this time in Mexico City. Once again, it was a split decision, and once again, Carbajal came out on the losing end. He wouldn't give up, however, and he kept training under the guidance of his brother, Danny Carbajal, the only man ever to train Michael.

IBF light flyweight title

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He put another string of seven wins together, against the likes of former world champion Jose Quirino, whom he stopped in one round, and tough Mauro Salas, who lasted seven. Then he met two-time world champion Melchor Cob Castro in Las Vegas for the vacant International Boxing Federation Junior Flyweight title. Carbajal beat Castro by unanimous decision to claim his fourth world title.

His third title reign lasted 22 months and three defenses, including an eighth-round knockout of tough two-time challenger Tomas Rivera, before he lost his crown again. On January 18, 1997, Carbajal suddenly looked aged and was unable to do anything against the charges of Colombian Mauricio Pastrana. Carbajal still made the fight close, but lost a twelve-round split decision.

After that, Carbajal met Canada's Scotty Olson in San Antonio, Texas. Carbajal showed he had more left than Olson did, and dominated the fight until a spectacular right hand sent Olson down for the count in round 11.

The win over Olson gave Carbajal a minor title, but in July 1997 in Las Vegas once again, he was defeated by South Africa's Jacob Matlala. Matlala handed Carbajal his first inside the distance defeat ever, stopping the past-his-prime former world champion in round nine via cuts. Carbajal did not fight for 19 months after this defeat.

Second comeback, WBO title win, and retirement

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Carbajal announced a comeback early in 1999. He won three bouts, including a tko victory over former champion José de Jesús, and on July 31, 1999, he took the short flight from Phoenix to Tijuana to challenge WBO world Junior Flyweight champion Jorge Arce, who was fighting in his hometown. Arce dominated Carbajal for nine of the first ten rounds, but Carbajal floored the 21-year-old Arce in the sixth round. The fight moved along, and in the 11th round, Carbajal struck Arce with a right hand that sent him into the ropes. The referee stopped the fight, and Michael Carbajal was a world champion for the fifth time.[1]

After this fight, Carbajal retired as a world champ. Carbajal is trying to live a quieter life nowadays in Phoenix, but he does many public appearances. He enjoys meeting his public and signing autographs for his fans. Carbajal also owns two boxing gyms in Phoenix.[1]

Michael Carbajal and former rival Humberto González were elected together to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006.[1]

His career record was 49 wins against four losses, with 33 wins coming by way of knockout.[1]

Professional boxing record

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53 fights 49 wins 4 losses
By knockout 33 1
By decision 16 3
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
53 Win 49–4 Jorge Arce TKO 11 (12) Jul 31, 1999 Plaza de Toros El Toreo, Tijuana, Mexico Won WBO light flyweight title
52 Win 48–4 Oscar Calzada TKO 4 (12) Jul 2, 1999 Convention Center, Tucson, Arizona, U.S. Won WBO latino light flyweight title
51 Win 47–4 Oscar Andrade UD 10 May 8, 1999 Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort, Miami, Florida, U.S.
50 Win 46–4 Jose De Jesus RTD 6 (10) Feb 27, 1999 India Cultural Center, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
49 Loss 45–4 Jacob Matlala TKO 9 (12) Jul 18, 1997 Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Lost IBA light flyweight title
48 Win 45–3 Scotty Olson KO 10 (12) Mar 22, 1997 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S. Won vacant IBA light flyweight title
47 Loss 44–3 Mauricio Pastrana SD 12 Jan 18, 1997 Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Lost IBF light flyweight title
46 Win 44–2 Tomas Cordoba TKO 3 (10) Dec 10, 1996 Memorial Coliseum (Corpus Christi), Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
45 Win 43–2 Tomas Rivera KO 5 (12) Oct 12, 1996 Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title
44 Win 42–2 Julio Coronel TKO 8 (12) Sep 13, 1996 Knapp Center, Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title
43 Win 41–2 Manuel Sarabia KO 1 (10) Jul 14, 1996 Mammoth Gardens, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
42 Win 40–2 Melchor Cob Castro UD 12 Mar 16, 1996 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant IBF light flyweight title
41 Win 39–2 Mauro Diaz TKO 7 (10) Feb 19, 1996 Club Rio, Tempe, Arizona, U.S.
40 Win 38–2 Francisco Montiel KO 4 (10) Nov 16, 1995 Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
39 Win 37–2 Gregorio Garcia KO 3 (6) Sep 16, 1995 Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
38 Win 36–2 Jose Quirino KO 1 (10) Aug 12, 1995 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
37 Win 35–2 Andres Cazares RTD 5 (10) Jun 20, 1995 Civic Auditorium, Bakersfield, California, U.S.
36 Win 34–2 Francisco Carrasco KO 4 (10) May 24, 1995 Civic Auditorium, Bakersfield, California, U.S.
35 Win 33–2 Armando Diaz UD 10 Apr 1, 1995 Buffalos Bill’s Star Arena, Primm, Nevada, U.S.
34 Loss 32–2 Humberto Gonzalez MD 12 Nov 12, 1994 Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, U.S. For WBC and IBF light flyweight titles
33 Win 32–1 Josue Camacho UD 12 Jul 15, 1994 America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Won WBO light flyweight title
32 Win 31–1 Abner Barajas TKO 3 (10) Apr 8, 1994 Hilton Hotel, Laughlin, Nevada, U.S.
31 Loss 30–1 Humberto Gonzalez SD 12 Feb 19, 1994 Great Western Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S. Lost WBC and IBF light flyweight titles
30 Win 30–0 Domingo Sosa TKO 5 (12) Oct 30, 1993 America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Retained WBC and IBF light flyweight titles
29 Win 29–0 Kim Kwang-sun TKO 7 (12) Jul 17, 1993 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC and IBF light flyweight titles
28 Win 28–0 Humberto Gonzalez KO 7 (12) Mar 13, 1993 Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title;
Won WBC light flyweight title
27 Win 27–0 Robinson Cuesta TKO 8 (12) Dec 12, 1992 America West Arena, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title
26 Win 26–0 Jose Manuel Diaz RTD 7 (10) Oct 14, 1992 Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.
25 Win 25–0 Jorge Luis Roman UD 10 Aug 13, 1992 Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
24 Win 24–0 Jose Luis Velarde UD 10 Apr 30, 1992 Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
23 Win 23–0 Marcos Pacheco UD 12 Feb 17, 1992 Civic Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title
22 Win 22–0 Jesus Chong UD 10 Oct 18, 1991 Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Héctor Patri UD 12 May 10, 1991 John O’Donnell Stadium, Davenport, Iowa, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title
20 Win 20–0 Javier Varguez UD 12 Mar 17, 1991 Bally’s Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title
19 Win 19–0 Macario Santos KO 2 (12) Feb 17, 1991 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title
18 Win 18–0 Leon Salazar KO 4 (12) Dec 8, 1990 Rawhide Western Theme Park, Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. Retained IBF light flyweight title
17 Win 17–0 Luis Monzote KO 5 (10) Oct 25, 1990 Civic Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Oscar Calzada TKO 3 (10) Sep 20, 1990 Bally’s Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Muangchai Kittikasem TKO 7 (12) Jul 29, 1990 Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Won IBF light flyweight title
14 Win 14–0 Fernando Martinez TKO 9 (12) Jun 14, 1990 The Holiday Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Retained NABF light flyweight title
13 Win 13–0 Raul Acosta UD 10 Apr 1, 1990 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Tony DeLuca UD 12 Feb 18, 1990 Civic Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Won NABF light flyweight title
11 Win 11–0 Miguel Angel Banda UD 8 Jan 12, 1990 Trump Plaza Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Pedro Jose Feliciano UD 10 Nov 17, 1989 Civic Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Jose Manuel Diaz TKO 3 (8) Oct 17, 1989 State Fair, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Jose Luis Herrera UD 8 Sep 5, 1989 Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Prudencio De Jesus KO 2 (6) Aug 14, 1989 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Francisco Lueveno TKO 2 (6) Jul 15, 1989 Harrah’s Marina Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Eduardo Nunez KO 4 (6) Jun 12, 1989 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Pedro Espinoza TKO 1 (4) May 21, 1989 Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Camerino Rojas KO 2 (4) May 2, 1989 Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Silvestre Peraza TKO 1 (4) Apr 4, 1989 Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Will Grigsby UD 4 Feb 24, 1989 Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Michael Carbajal". International Boxing Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2014.
  2. ^ Anderson, Dave (October 1988). "THE SEOUL OLYMPICS: BOXING; Mercer Stops South Korean". The New York Times.
  3. ^ Gustkey, Earl (1988-10-08). "USA Boxing Seeks to Ban Olympic Judges : Roy Jones Decision in Gold-Medal Bout Prompts Action Against Three". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2020-02-08.
  4. ^ "Michael Carbajal - Lineal Junior Flyweight Champion". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
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Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Victor Godoi 		WBO super flyweight champion
Latino title
July 2 – 31, 1999
Won world light flyweight title 		Vacant
Title next held by
Joel Luna Zárate
Minor world boxing titles
New title IBA light flyweight champion
March 23 – July 18, 1997 		Succeeded by
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by IBF light flyweight champion
July 29, 1990 – February 19, 1994 		Succeeded by
Preceded by WBC light flyweight champion
March 13, 1993 – February 19, 1994
Inaugural Champion Lineal Light Flyweight Champion
March 13, 1993 – February 19, 1994
Preceded by WBO light flyweight champion
July 15, 1994 – November 12, 1994
Stripped 		Vacant
Title next held by
Paul Weir
Vacant
Title last held by
Saman Sorjaturong 		IBF light flyweight champion
March 16, 1996 – January 18, 1997 		Succeeded by
Preceded by WBO light flyweight champion
July 31, 1999 – August 1999
Retires 		Vacant
Title next held by
Masibulele Makepula
Awards
Preceded by The Ring magazine Comeback of the Year
1999 		Succeeded by
Previous:
Riddick Bowe W12
Evander Holyfield 		The Ring Magazine fight of the year
KO7 Humberto González
1993 		Next:
Jorge Castro KO9
John David Jackson
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