The Art of Evasion
A scholarly exploration into the life, unparalleled defensive mastery, and enduring impact of Argentina's legendary boxing virtuoso, Nicolino 'El Intocable' Locche.
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Who Was Locche?
The Argentine Legend
Nicolino Felipe Locche, born on September 2, 1939, in Tunuyรกn, Mendoza, Argentina, rose to prominence as a professional boxer. His family roots traced back to the Sardinian village of Villasor, near Cagliari. Locche's career was defined by an extraordinary defensive prowess that earned him the indelible moniker, 'El Intocable'โThe Untouchable. He passed away on September 7, 2005, in Las Heras, Mendoza, Argentina, at the age of 66, due to heart failure.1819
World Champion Status
From 1968 to 1972, Nicolino Locche held the prestigious World Junior Welterweight title, recognized by both the World Boxing Association (WBA) and The Ring magazine. His reign as champion solidified his place among boxing's elite, showcasing not only his defensive genius but also his ability to perform at the highest competitive levels.1
A Defensive Masterpiece
Locche is universally regarded as one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time.4567 His unique style, characterized by minimal head movement and the adept use of shoulder rolls, allowed him to evade an astonishing number of punches, often frustrating his opponents to the point of exhaustion. This mastery of evasion was the cornerstone of his legendary status.8910
Professional Career
Early Ascendance
Nicolino Locche embarked on his professional boxing journey at the age of 19. His early career saw him quickly accumulate victories, establishing himself as a formidable presence in the lightweight and light welterweight divisions. He secured regional titles, becoming the champion of Mendoza, Argentina, and later the South American lightweight and junior welterweight champion, setting the stage for his global aspirations.
World Title Acquisition
The pinnacle of Locche's career arrived on December 12, 1968, in Tokyo, Japan. He challenged and defeated Paul Takeshi Fuji for the Lineal and WBA Light Welterweight Championship. The victory came by technical knockout when Fuji, reportedly overwhelmed by frustration and exhaustion from his inability to land punches, refused to begin the 10th round. This moment cemented Locche's status as a world champion.1
Title Defenses and Loss
Locche successfully defended his world title six times against notable contenders such as Carlos Hernandez, Joรฃo Henrique, Adolph Pruitt, Antonio Cervantes, and Domingo Barrera Corpas. His reign, however, concluded on March 10, 1972, in Panama, where he lost his titles to Alfonso Frazer by unanimous decision. A subsequent attempt to reclaim the world championship in a rematch against Antonio Cervantes also ended in defeat.16 Locche ultimately retired from professional boxing in 1975.
The 'Untouchable' Style
Evasive Mastery
Locche's defensive style was truly revolutionary. He would often stand directly in front of his opponents, seemingly inviting punches, but with uncanny reflexes, he would slip, bob, and weave, making his adversaries miss by mere inches. His signature moves included minimal head movement and the effective use of the shoulder roll, a technique that deflected blows with precision. This ability to avoid punishment earned him the admiration of fans and the frustration of opponents.1415
An Argentine Idol
His captivating style made him an immense idol in Argentina. Whenever he fought at the iconic Luna Park in Buenos Aires, the arena would routinely sell out, a testament to his popularity and the excitement his unique approach generated. Spectators were drawn to witness the spectacle of 'El Intocable' effortlessly dodging barrages of punches, turning defense into an art form.
Unconventional Discipline
Despite his extraordinary ring generalship, Locche was known for a somewhat unconventional approach to traditional boxing training and discipline. Argentine sources frequently recount his habitual cigarette smoking throughout much of his career and his flexible adherence to strict dietary requirements. It was not uncommon to see him puffing on a cigarette during the one-minute breaks between rounds, a stark contrast to the typical image of a disciplined athlete.
Career Statistics
Overview of His Fights
Nicolino Locche's professional record stands as a testament to his longevity and skill. Over a career spanning from 1958 to 1976, he engaged in 136 professional bouts, a remarkable number reflecting his active presence in the sport.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 136 |
| Wins | 117 |
| Wins by KO | 14 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Losses by KO | 1 |
| Draws | 14 |
| No Contests | 1 |
Key Bouts & Milestones
While his full record is extensive, certain fights highlight pivotal moments in Locche's career, from his debut to his world title triumphs and eventual retirement.
Enduring Legacy
Hall of Fame Recognition
In recognition of his exceptional career and profound impact on the sport, Nicolino Locche was inducted into the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.1117 This honor solidifies his place among boxing's immortals, acknowledging his unique contributions and the indelible mark he left on the history of professional boxing.
Olimpia de Oro
Beyond international accolades, Locche was also celebrated in his home country. In 1968, the year he captured his first world title, he was awarded the Olimpia de Oro, Argentina's most prestigious sports award. This award recognized him as the best Argentine athlete of the year, further cementing his status as a national hero.
Influence on Boxing
Nicolino Locche's "Untouchable" style continues to be studied and admired by boxing enthusiasts and practitioners alike. His mastery of defensive techniques, combined with his ability to frustrate and outmaneuver opponents, serves as a timeless example of how skill and intelligence can triumph in the ring. His legacy extends beyond his titles, influencing generations of boxers and solidifying his place as a true innovator in the sweet science.
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