Best fights of Esteban de Jesús
Over 11 years as a professional, Esteban de Jesús compiled a 58-5 (33) record, including 13 title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Esteban de Jesús defeats Roberto Durán
On November 17, 1972 Esteban de Jesús faced Roberto Durán in a lightweight bout. Jesús was 21 years old with a record of 33-1, and Durán was 21 with a record of 31-0. Jesús was on a 7-fight winning streak and Durán was on an undefeated 31-fight winning streak. Jesús won via unanimous decision.
2. Esteban de Jesús defeats Guts Ishimatsu
On May 8, 1976 Esteban de Jesús fought Guts Ishimatsu for the WBC lightweight title. Jesús was 24 years old with a record of 47-3, and Ishimatsu was 26 with a record of 31-11-6. Jesús was on a 2-fight winning streak and Ishimatsu was on a 4-fight winning streak. Jesús won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new lightweight champion.
3. Esteban de Jesús loses to Roberto Durán in their 3rd fight via KO
On January 21, 1978 Esteban de Jesús met Roberto Durán in an undisputed lightweight title unification fight. It was their third meeting. Jesús was 26 years old with a record of 52-3, and Durán was 26 with a record of 62-1. Jesús was on a 7-fight winning streak and Durán was on a 31-fight winning streak. Durán stopped Jesús via TKO in the 12th round. Lost the undisputed title. Lasted into the 12th round.
4. Esteban de Jesús KOs Buzzsaw Yamabe
On February 12, 1977 Esteban de Jesús defended his WBC lightweight title against Buzzsaw Yamabe. Jesús was 25 years old with a record of 49-3, and Yamabe was 0 with a record of 0-0. Jesús was on a 4-fight winning streak. Jesús stopped Buzzsaw Yamabe via TKO in the 6th round. Defended the title.
5. Esteban de Jesús KOs Hector Julio Medina
On September 10, 1976 Esteban de Jesús defended his WBC lightweight title against Hector Julio Medina. Jesús was 25 years old with a record of 48-3, and Medina was 0 with a record of 0-0. Jesús was on a 3-fight winning streak. Jesús stopped Hector Julio Medina via KO in the 7th round. Defended the title.
6. Esteban de Jesús loses to Roberto Durán in their 2nd fight via KO
On March 16, 1974 Esteban de Jesús fought Roberto Durán for the WBA, The Ring, and lineal lightweight titles. It was their second meeting. Jesús was 22 years old with a record of 42-1, and Durán was 22 with a record of 41-1. Jesús was on a 16-fight winning streak and Durán was on a 10-fight winning streak. Durán stopped Jesús via KO in the 11th round. Failed to capture the title.
7. Esteban de Jesús KOs Vicente Mijares
On June 25, 1977 Esteban de Jesús defended his WBC lightweight title against Vicente Mijares. Jesús was 25 years old with a record of 50-3, and Mijares was 0 with a record of 0-0. Jesús was on a 5-fight winning streak. Jesús stopped Vicente Mijares via KO in the 11th round. Defended the title.
8. Esteban de Jesús KOs Chuchu Hernandez
On July 8, 1978 Esteban de Jesús faced Chuchu Hernandez. Jesús was 26 years old with a record of 53-4, and Hernandez was 0 with a record of 0-0. Jesús was coming off a win. Jesús stopped Chuchu Hernandez via TKO in the 2nd round.
9. Esteban de Jesús KOs Pablo Baez
On June 3, 1978 Esteban de Jesús faced Pablo Baez. Jesús was 26 years old with a record of 52-4, and Baez was 0 with a record of 0-0. Jesús was coming off a loss. Jesús stopped Pablo Baez via TKO in the 3rd round.
10. Esteban de Jesús KOs Valente Ramos
On March 6, 1976 Esteban de Jesús faced Valente Ramos. Jesús was 24 years old with a record of 46-3, and Ramos was 0 with a record of 0-0. Jesús was coming off a win. Jesús stopped Valente Ramos via TKO in the 2nd round.