1. Overview
Ernesto Marcel was a prominent Panamanian professional boxer who distinguished himself as a WBA featherweight champion. His career, spanning from 1966 to 1974, was marked by significant victories, a challenge for the WBC featherweight title, and culminated in a rare and notable retirement as a reigning world champion, making him one of the few boxers in history to achieve this feat.
2. Early life and background
Ernesto Marcel's fundamental biographical information traces his roots to Panama, where he began his journey that would lead him to become a world boxing champion.
2.1. Birth and childhood
Ernesto Marcel was born on May 23, 1948. He was a native of Panama, the country he represented throughout his professional boxing career. Details about his early life and upbringing are limited, but his athletic path began to unfold as he embarked on his professional boxing career as a teenager.
3. Professional boxing career
Ernesto Marcel's professional boxing career was characterized by a rapid ascent, challenging fights, and ultimately, securing a world championship before an unusual retirement.
3.1. Early career
Marcel made his professional boxing debut in 1966 as a teenager, quickly establishing himself within the sport. Early in his career, he amassed a record of 31 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. His initial matchups included notable performances such as a second-round knockout victory over Bernardo Caraballo, a seasoned boxer who had previously challenged for world titles against fighters like Fighting Harada and Éder Jofre. Marcel also faced a young and formidable Roberto Durán, suffering his only stoppage defeat in the form of a tenth-round technical knockout loss. This loss to Durán was the sole instance in Marcel's career where a fight was stopped before the final bell.
3.2. World title challenges and WBA championship
Marcel's journey to becoming a world champion included critical title challenges that showcased his skill and determination, ultimately leading him to capture the WBA Featherweight title. He was recognized for his tall stature and skillful, speedy boxing style, making him a clever fighter.
3.2.1. WBC Featherweight title challenge
On November 11, 1971, Ernesto Marcel challenged for the WBC Featherweight title against Japanese champion Kuniaki Shibata. The fight took place at a specially constructed ring at the Ehime Prefectural Rugby Field in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Marcel demonstrated his skill by effectively neutralizing Shibata's powerful punches. However, the fight ultimately resulted in a draw, meaning Shibata retained his title, leaving Marcel short of capturing the WBC belt.
3.2.2. WBA Featherweight championship
Less than a year after his WBC title challenge, Ernesto Marcel successfully captured the WBA Featherweight title. On August 19, 1972, he defeated Antonio Gómez by decision to claim the championship. Gómez had previously taken the title from Shozo Saijo. Following his championship victory, Marcel successfully defended his WBA crown four times. His defenses included victories against former champion Gómez in a rematch and against Japanese contender 根本重光Shigamitsu NemotoJapanese.
3.3. Retirement as champion
Ernesto Marcel's final professional bout was his fourth defense of the WBA Featherweight title, which took place on February 16, 1974. In this fight, he faced future boxing legend Alexis Argüello, securing a victory by unanimous decision after fifteen rounds. Immediately following this win, Marcel announced his retirement from boxing. This decision was a rare occurrence in the sport, making him one of only a handful of boxers to retire as a reigning world champion. His decision to retire while still holding the championship was reportedly influenced by his mother's wishes.
4. Overall fight record
Ernesto Marcel concluded his professional boxing career with an impressive record of 40 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws, totaling 46 professional fights. Of his 40 victories, 24 were secured by knockout.
5. Death
Ernesto Marcel passed away on June 29, 2020, at the age of 72.
6. Legacy and evaluation
Ernesto Marcel's lasting impact on the sport of boxing is primarily defined by his championship reign and, more notably, his unique retirement.
6.1. Significance of retirement
The decision by Ernesto Marcel to retire as a reigning world champion is considered a highly significant and rare event in boxing history. This choice ensured that he left the sport at the pinnacle of his career, undefeated as a champion and with his final victory coming against a formidable opponent in Alexis Argüello. This distinct departure solidified his place among a select group of boxers who chose to step away from the ring while still holding a world title, contributing to a legacy that emphasizes both his skill and his personal integrity.