The lightweight division is possibly one of the weight classes in the world that fans are most eager to watch right now. It is also an exciting question: who was the best lightweight boxer in the past? Do you also want to know who they are?
Well, here we are discussing the ten best lightweight boxers of the 90s. They were top ones for their hard work and dedication. The boxers were always a step ahead of their opponents, and they possessed the best mind of all ring legends.
Let’s get to know who they are.
1. Miguel Angel Gonzalez
| Full Name | Miguel Ángel González Dávila |
| Nick Name | El Mago, Santa Tokyo |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1970 |
| Current Age | 52 Years |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Colonia Roma, Mexico City, Mexico |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Residence | Mexico |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 174 Centimeters In m: 1.74 Meters In ft Inches: 5 ft 9 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: 83 kg In Pounds: 183 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $11 Million |
Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 57 |
| Wins | 51 |
| Wins by KO | 40 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Draws | 1 |
Miguel Angel Gonzalez is considered one of the best lightweight boxers of the 90s. He was born on November 15, 1970, in Colonia Roma (Mexico). Gonzalez was 18 when he made his professional boxing debut against Serafin Pachaco on January 21, 1989. Gonzalez is a former world 2-weight champion.
Miguel Angel Gonzalez was an active boxer from 1989 to 2006. At 18 years old, he began boxing professionally. Gonzalez made his debut against Serafin Pacheco in January 1989. He defeated Pacheco via 5th Round KO.
Gonzalez retired with a record 51-5-1 in professional boxing, including 40 knockout wins as well as two knockout losses. His hard work made him famous, and he is now an inspiration to many people.
Miguel Angel Gonzalez Has Some of the Most Glorious Achievements:
- González won the title of world champion in two distinct weight divisions
- He had his first world title fight at the age of 21
- Made 10 title defenses with success
2. Azumah Nelson
| Full Name | Azumah Nelson |
| Nick Name | The Professor, Zoom Zoom, The Terrible Warrior |
| Date of Birth | July 19, 1958 |
| Current Age | 63 years ( as of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Accra, Ghana |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Residence | Ghana |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 165 Centimeters In m: 1.65 Meters In ft Inches: 5 ft 5 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: 69 kg In pounds: 152 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
- Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 47 |
| Wins | 39 |
| Wins by KO | 28 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 2 |
Azumah Nelson is also the best lightweight boxer of the 90s. He achieved many great titles and showed people his performance. He was born on July 19, 1958, in Accra, Ghana. Nelson was 21 when he made his professional debut against Billy Kwame on December 1, 1979.
Nelson fought valiantly against the Mexican legend before succumbing to injury in the 15th round. He was now an established force in the 126lb division. On December 8, 1984, he won the WBC title with an 11th-round TKO against Wilfredo Gomez.
After returning to the 130-pound weight class, he defended his title six times more. This included a controversial draw against Jeff Fenech, an Australian Hall of Famer.
He was a true world champion and fought in every country around the globe, including Australia, Spain, England, Mexico, and all across the United States. Nelson’s 39-5-2 (28KOs record) was possible because of his technical boxing skills, strength in both hands, and strong chin.
Azumah Nelson’s Most Glorious Achievements:
- He won three world championships in two separate weight divisions
- He was a two-weight world champion
- WBC featherweight Champion
- Awarded entry into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
Azumah Nelson’s Glorious Awards:
- The Ring Magazine Upset of the Year
3. Orzubek Nazarov
| Full Name | Orzubek Nazarov |
| Nick Name | Gussie |
| Date of Birth | August 30, 1966 |
| Current Age | 56 Years ( as of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Kant, Kyrgyzstan |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Residence | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Kyrgyzstan |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 171 Centimeters In m: 1.71 Meters In ft inches: 5 ft 7 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: 69 kg In Pounds: 152 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
- Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 27 |
| Wins | 26 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Draws | 0 |
Orzubek Nazarrov is top 3 on our list of best lightweight boxers of the 90s for his physical strength a sharp intellect. He performed at one of the most thrilling moments in boxing history and was one of the finest champions in the division.
Orzubek Nazarrov born in Kant, Kyrgyz SSR (USSR) on August 30, 1966, he was a professional boxer. Nazarov’s professional boxing debut was against Makoto Nishizawa at 23 years old. He was a former lightweight champion of the world.
He fought from 1990 to 1998. At 23 years old, he began boxing professionally. Nazarov made his debut against Makoto Nishizawa in February 1990.
Nazarov retired with a record 26-1 and 19 knockout wins. Touching on his pillars in life, he said God, focus, hard work, determination, and humility were his trump cards for success.
Orzubek Nazarov’s Most Glorious Achievements:
- WBA Lightweight Champion (30 Oct 1993 – 16 May 1998)
- Won the bronze medal at the 1986 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Reno
- European Junior Championships Gold medallist
- Soviet Union National Championships Gold medallist
Orzubek Nazarov’s Glorious Awards:
- Won Gold in European Amateur Championships in 1987
- The assignment Master of Sports of the USSR
4. Jean-Baptiste Mendy
| Full Name | Jean-Baptiste Mendy |
| Nick Name | – |
| Date of Birth | 16 March 1963 |
| Current Age | Died on 31 August 2020 (Aged 57) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Dakar, Senegal |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Residence | Paris, France |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | France |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 177 Centimeters In m: 1.77 Meters In ft inches: 5 ft 10 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: N/AIn Pounds: N/A |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 67 |
| Wins | 55 |
| Wins by KO | 31 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 3 |
Do you want to know who the next best lightweight boxers of the 90s are? Jean-Baptiste Mendy is one of them. He deserves to be on the list of greatest welterweight boxers of all time as well.
Mendy, a French native who came to France as a teenager from Senegal, won the French 135 lb title in 1991. He stopped Angel Mona in the first round. In 1992, Mendy won the EBU crown. He held that title until 1994 when he was offered a shot at the WBC title.
He won the vacant WBC 135 title in 1996 with a win over Lamar Murphy but lost it in his first defense against Steve Johnston.
Jean-Baptiste Mendy’s Most Glorious Achievements:
- Two-time Lightweight World Champion
- WBC Lightweight Champion (20 Apr 1996 – 1 Mar 1997)
- WBA Lightweight Champion (16 May 1998 – 10 Apr 1999)
Jean-Baptiste Mendy’s Glorious Awards:
- Boxing Writers Association of America Annual Awards
5. Tony Lopez
| Full Name | Tony Lopez |
| Nick Name | The Tiger |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1963 |
| Current Age | 59 Years |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Residence | America |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Americans |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 168 Centimeters In m: 1.68 Meters In ft inches: 5 ft 6 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: 111 kg In pounds: 245 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $2 Million |
Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 59 |
| Wins | 50 |
| Wins by KO | 34 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 1 |
The best lightweight boxers of the 90s made history rich by showing their excellent boxing skill. Like Tony Lopez, a retired American professional fighter has a record of 50-8-1. He was born in Sacramento (California), USA, on February 24, 1963. He would always be the topmost player.
Lopez was 20 when he made his professional boxing debut against Juan Rodriguez on May 3, 1983. He was a 2-weight world champion.
He was active between 1983 and 1999. At 20 years old, he began boxing professionally. On May 3, 1983, Lopez faced Juan Rodriguez and won by TKO in the opening frame.
Tony Lopez outgrew his weight class since he was a big, strong lightweight.
Tony Lopez’s of most Glorious Achievements:
- Lopez was a world champion in two different weight classes
- WBA lightweight champion (October 24, 1992 – June 26, 1993)
- WBO-NABO light welterweight champion (September 26, 1998 – February 20, 1999)
Tony Lopez’s glorious Awards:
- The Ring Fight of the year in 1988
- The Ring Magazine Comeback of the Year in 1990
6. Genaro Hernandez
| Full Name | Genaro Hernandez |
| Nick Name | Chicanito |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1966 |
| Current Age | Died on June 7, 2011 (Aged 45) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Residence | America |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Americans |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 180 Centimeters In m: 1.80 Meters In ft inches: 5 ft 11 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: 77 kg In pounds: 170 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
- Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 41 |
| Wins | 38 |
| Wins by KO | 17 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Draws | 1 |
Genaro Hernandez was a prizefighter known as Chicanito, roughly translating to Little Mexican. He was twice the world super lightweight champion.
Hernandez was a tall, skilled boxer from South Los Angeles who rose to prominence in the mid-1980s. He had strong support among Hispanic fans. He was W.B.A. after only two losses in 41 professional bouts.
He was a pro fighter in 1984 and defeated Felipe Orozco and Lupe Miranda on his way to his first title fight with Daniel Londas in Epernay (France) on November 22, 1991. In the ninth round, he scored a technical knockout.
Genaro Hernandez was among the best lightweight boxers of the 1990s. The most incredible thing about him is that it appears he could have been even better.
Genaro Hernandez’s Glorious Achievements:
- WBC lightweight champion
- WBO lightweight champion
Genaro Hernandez’s Glorious Awards:
- Crawford Award
7. Stevie Johnston
| Full Name | Steven Earl Johnston |
| Nick Name | Lil’ but Bad |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1972 |
| Current Age | 50 Years |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Residence | America |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Americans |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 165 Centimeters In m: 1.65 Meters In ft inches: 5 ft 5 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: 62 kg In pounds: 135 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million Approx |
- Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 49 |
| Wins | 42 |
| Wins by KO | 18 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 1 |
Stevie Johnston is famous for his defensive skills. The quality of the best lightweight boxers of the 90s placed inside Johnston allowed him to become the champion.
Stevie Johnston is the most physically fit of all the top lightweight boxers. Not in terms of his height but in terms of his overall physique. He has a lot of strength, and he also boasts incredible power and explosiveness. You can see his highlight reel to see his ability.
He is an inspirational figure for younger boxers as they can take motivation from him. That gives them the ability to fight.
Stevie Johnston’s of Most Glorious Achievements:
- 1991 Light Welterweight Gold Medalist at the Pan-American Games in Havana, Cuba
- WBC Lightweight boxing champion (Mar 1, 1997 – June 13, 1998)
- 1990 Light Welterweight American Amateur Champion
- 1991 Silver medalist at the USA Sports festival
8. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
| Full Name | Floyd Mayweather Jr. |
| Nick Name | Money, Pretty Boy |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1977 |
| Current Age | 45 Years |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Residence | America |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Americans |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 173 Centimeters In m: 1.73 Meters In ft inches: 5 ft 8 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: 67 kg In pounds: 147 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $450 Million |
Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 50 |
| Wins | 50 |
| Wins by KO | 27 |
| Losses | – |
| Draws | – |
Floyd Mayweather Jr. an American boxing promoter and trainer, is a former professional boxer who won five world championships in five weight classes.
Mayweather is widely considered the best lightweight boxer of the 90s. He has been a champion junior lightweight fighter since beating Genaro Hernandez in 1999.
Mayweather has been the dominant player in the sport for the past 20 years. His career earnings have reached $ 1 billion. In Las Vegas, Mayweather was last seen stopping debutant Conor McGregor in 2017. This feat helped to surpass Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 pro record.
Floyd’s longevity and success are not due to his incredible talent. It is because Mayweather has lived his professional career according to his terms.
Although he teased his fans about a possible return to retirement, Mayweather now appears to be focusing on being a trainer and promoter as well as fighting in exhibitions.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s Some Glorious Achievements:
- Michigan State Golden Gloves Champion in 1993
- National Golden Gloves Champion in 1994
- 26 consecutive wins in world title fights
Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s Glorious Awards:
- Atlanta Olympics Featherweight Bronze medalist
- World Boxing Hall of Fame Fighter of the Year in 2002
9. Cesar Bazan
| Full Name | César Bazán Pérez |
| Nick Name | El Paso |
| Date of Birth | 13 December 1974 |
| Current Age | 48 Years |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Residence | Mexico |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 183 Centimeters In m: 1.83 Meters In ft inches: 6 ft 0 Inch |
| Weight | In kg: 61 kg In pounds: 132 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 61 |
| Wins | 49 |
| Wins by KO | 32 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 1 |
Cesar Bazan, a unique fighter, was one the greatest champions of his division, and the era in which he competed was the best. Bazan is one of the few fighters who has combined physical prowess and a sharp mind with such ease.
Bazan won the WBC lightweight title in 1998 by defeating Stevie Johnston, who was undefeated. The belt was defended twice by Bazan before Johnston took it away in 1999.
Although inconsistency can cost him a higher slot in the tournament, Cesar Bazan, at its best, might be the man you choose to play in a mythical fantasy tourney among this top ten.
Cesar Bazan’s Some Glorious Achievements:
- WBC Lightweight Champion (13 June 1998 – 27 Feb 1999)
10. Giovanni Parisi
| Full Name | Giovanni Parisi |
| Nick Name | Flash |
| Date of Birth | 2 December 1967 |
| Current Age | Died on 25 March 2009 (Aged 41) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Vibo Valentia, Italy |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Residence | Italy |
| Profession | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | In cm: 173 Centimeters In m: 1.73 Meters In ft inches: 5 ft 8 Inch |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
- Boxing Record
| Total Fights | 47 |
| Wins | 41 |
| Wins by KO | 29 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Draws | 1 |
Giovanni Parisi was a former Olympic and World Champion boxer. He defeated many of the best lightweight boxers of the 90s and made his place stronger than anyone.
Parisi won the gold featherweight medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. From 1992 to 1994, he was the World Boxing Organization’s lightweight champion.
He then moved up to the junior-welterweight division. Parisi lost to Julio Cesar Chavez in 1995 for the World Boxing Council title. But he was awarded the W.B.O. Version in 1996 and held it for two more years.
He was awarded the W.B.O. welterweight title in 2000. He fought just three times before his last bout in 2006. This loss was for the European welterweight championship. His professional record was 41-5-1 with 29 knockouts.
Giovanni Parisi was precise and very well-prepared. Sometimes he needed to touch his opponents, so they had to watch out for surprise punches.
Giovanni Parisi Some Glorious Achievements:
- Olympic Games Gold medalist in 1988
- Two times WBO World Champion
- World Boxing Organization’s lightweight champion
Wrapping up!
It was a difficult top-ten to form–with numerous excruciating exclusions. Still, we pick the ten best lightweight boxers of the 90s.
The above boxers were patient for their chance to reach the top of the lightweight division. They all love boxing as well as they maintain discipline and hard work. And see, they made history. People still know them as the top ones.
From your perspective, who do you like most and think is the best lightweight boxer?
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