Best Lightweight Boxers Of The 90s

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

Miguel Angel Gonzalez
Full NameMiguel Ángel González Dávila
Nick NameEl Mago, Santa Tokyo
Date of Birth15 November 1970
Current Age52 Years
GenderMale
Place of BirthColonia Roma, Mexico City, Mexico
Zodiac SignCancer
StanceOrthodox
ResidenceMexico
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityMexican
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 174 Centimeters In m: 1.74 Meters In ft Inches: 5 ft 9 Inch
WeightIn kg: 83 kg In Pounds: 183 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$11 Million

Boxing Record

Total Fights57
Wins51
Wins by KO40
Losses5
Draws1

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

Azumah Nelson
Full NameAzumah Nelson
Nick NameThe Professor, Zoom Zoom, The Terrible Warrior
Date of BirthJuly 19, 1958
Current Age63 years ( as of 2022)
GenderMale
Place of BirthAccra, Ghana
Zodiac SignCancer
StanceOrthodox
ResidenceGhana
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityGhanaian
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 165 Centimeters In m: 1.65 Meters
In ft Inches: 5 ft 5 Inch
WeightIn kg: 69 kg
In pounds: 152 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$1 Million – $5 Million
  • Boxing Record
Total Fights47
Wins39
Wins by KO28
Losses6
Draws2

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

Orzubek Nazarov
Full NameOrzubek Nazarov
Nick NameGussie
Date of BirthAugust 30, 1966
Current Age56 Years ( as of 2022)
GenderMale
Place of BirthKant, Kyrgyzstan
Zodiac SignCancer
StanceSouthpaw
ResidenceBishkek, Kyrgyzstan
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityKyrgyzstan
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 171 Centimeters In m: 1.71 Meters
In ft inches: 5 ft 7 Inch
WeightIn kg: 69 kg
In Pounds: 152 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$1.5 Million
  • Boxing Record
Total Fights27
Wins26
Wins by KO19
Losses1
Draws0

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

Jean-Baptiste Mendy
Full NameJean-Baptiste Mendy
Nick Name
Date of Birth16 March 1963
Current AgeDied on 31 August 2020 (Aged 57)
GenderMale
Place of BirthDakar, Senegal
Zodiac SignPisces
StanceSouthpaw
ResidenceParis, France
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityFrance
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 177 Centimeters In m: 1.77 Meters
In ft inches: 5 ft 10 Inch
WeightIn kg: N/AIn Pounds: N/A
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$1 Million – $5 Million

Boxing Record

Total Fights67
Wins55
Wins by KO31
Losses8
Draws3

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

Tony Lopez
Full NameTony Lopez
Nick NameThe Tiger
Date of BirthFebruary 24, 1963
Current Age59 Years
GenderMale
Place of BirthSacramento, California, U.S.
Zodiac SignPisces
StanceOrthodox
ResidenceAmerica
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityAmericans
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 168 Centimeters In m: 1.68 Meters
In ft inches: 5 ft 6 Inch
WeightIn kg: 111 kg
In pounds: 245 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$1 Million – $2 Million

Boxing Record

Total Fights59
Wins50
Wins by KO34
Losses8
Draws1

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

Genaro Hernandez
Full NameGenaro Hernandez
Nick NameChicanito
Date of BirthMay 10, 1966
Current AgeDied on June 7, 2011 (Aged 45)
GenderMale
Place of BirthLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Zodiac SignTaurus
StanceOrthodox
ResidenceAmerica
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityAmericans
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 180 Centimeters In m: 1.80 Meters
In ft inches: 5 ft 11 Inch
WeightIn kg: 77 kg
In pounds: 170 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$1 Million – $5 Million
  • Boxing Record
Total Fights41
Wins38
Wins by KO17
Losses2
Draws1

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

Stevie Johnston
Full NameSteven Earl Johnston
Nick NameLil’ but Bad
Date of BirthSeptember 28, 1972
Current Age50 Years
GenderMale
Place of BirthDenver, Colorado, U.S.
Zodiac SignLibra
StanceSouthpaw
ResidenceAmerica
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityAmericans
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 165 Centimeters In m: 1.65 Meters
In ft inches: 5 ft 5 Inch
WeightIn kg: 62 kg
In pounds: 135 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$1 Million – $5 Million Approx
  • Boxing Record
Total Fights49
Wins42
Wins by KO18
Losses6
Draws1

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.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Full NameFloyd Mayweather Jr.
Nick NameMoney, Pretty Boy
Date of BirthFebruary 24, 1977
Current Age45 Years
GenderMale
Place of BirthGrand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Zodiac SignPisces
StanceOrthodox
ResidenceAmerica
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityAmericans
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 173 Centimeters In m: 1.73 Meters
In ft inches: 5 ft 8 Inch
WeightIn kg: 67 kg
In pounds: 147 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$450 Million

Boxing Record

Total Fights50
Wins50
Wins by KO27
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

Cesar Bazan
Full NameCésar Bazán Pérez
Nick NameEl Paso
Date of Birth13 December 1974
Current Age48 Years
GenderMale
Place of BirthMexico City, Mexico
Zodiac SignSagittarius
StanceOrthodox
ResidenceMexico
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityMexican
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 183 Centimeters In m: 1.83 Meters
In ft inches: 6 ft 0 Inch
WeightIn kg: 61 kg
In pounds: 132 lbs
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$5 Million

Boxing Record

Total Fights61
Wins49
Wins by KO32
Losses11
Draws1

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

Giovanni Parisi
Full NameGiovanni Parisi
Nick NameFlash
Date of Birth2 December 1967
Current AgeDied on 25 March 2009 (Aged 41)
GenderMale
Place of BirthVibo Valentia, Italy
Zodiac SignSagittarius
StanceOrthodox
ResidenceItaly
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
NationalityItalian
Relationship StatusMarried
HeightIn cm: 173 Centimeters In m: 1.73 Meters
In ft inches: 5 ft 8 Inch
Hair ColorBlack
Eye ColorBlack
Net Worth$1 Million – $5 Million
  • Boxing Record
Total Fights47
Wins41
Wins by KO29
Losses5
Draws1

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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Bulbul Ahmed is a news writer who covers Boxing, professional mixed martial arts (MMA) and UFC events for The News Titan. He has been writing for several reputable publications and online media for a long time.

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