Nicolino Locche""El Intocable""

When discussing defensive boxing, one name that must be mentioned is Nicolino Locche. Born on September 2, 1939, in Argentina, Locche was a master of the sweet science, known for his elusiveness and defensive prowess. With a nickname like "The Untouchable," it's clear that Locche's defensive skills were truly remarkable. But he was more than just a defensive wizard; he was a true artist in the ring.

Standing at 168cm tall, Locche may not have been the biggest man in the ring, but what he lacked in size, he made up for with his skill and technique. His impressive reach of 182cm allowed him to keep his opponents at bay, while his orthodox stance provided him with a solid foundation from which to launch his counterattacks. Locche's style was a testament to the fact that boxing is not always about brute strength, but rather a combination of skill, strategy, and timing.

Locche's defensive style was unconventional, and it earned him another nickname, "Chaplin," after the famous silent film comedian Charlie Chaplin. Like Chaplin, Locche was a master of timing and movement, using subtle head and upper body movements to avoid punches with ease. He had a unique ability to make his opponents miss their shots, frustrating them and making them doubt their own abilities.

Locche's style was characterized by his exceptional footwork and ability to slip punches effortlessly. He would often use his quick reflexes to lean back, sway from side to side, or duck under punches, leaving his opponents swinging at thin air. It was a sight to behold, as Locche seemed to effortlessly glide around the ring, almost as if he were dancing.

But Locche's defensive skills were not just for show; they were put to good use in the ring. With a professional career that spanned from 1958 to 1976, Locche faced some tough opponents and came out victorious against many of them. He held the WBA World Lightweight title from 1968 to 1972 and successfully defended it six times. Locche's defensive style allowed him to frustrate and confuse his opponents, making it difficult for them to land clean punches and score points.

Locche's defensive brilliance was not limited to his footwork and head movement; he also had a knack for positioning himself in a way that made it difficult for his opponents to land effective punches. He would often use the ropes to his advantage, leaning back and making it nearly impossible for his opponents to connect with their shots. Locche's ability to control the distance between himself and his opponents was a crucial aspect of his defensive strategy, allowing him to dictate the pace of the fight and keep his opponents at bay.

But Locche's defensive style was not just about avoiding punches; it was also about capitalizing on his opponents' mistakes. His ability to counterpunch was second to none, using his opponent's aggression against them. Locche would often wait patiently, luring his opponents into throwing punches before slipping and countering with precision and power. It was a beautiful display of skill and timing, as Locche turned defense into offense in an instant.

Locche's defensive brilliance did not go unnoticed by his peers or boxing fans around the world. His unique fighting style inspired a generation of boxers, who marveled at his ability to make the art of hitting and not getting hit seem almost effortless. Locche's influence can still be felt in the sport today, as fighters continue to study his techniques and try to replicate his defensive mastery.

Outside of his boxing career, Locche was known for his humility and down-to-earth nature. He was a beloved figure in Argentina, where he is still regarded as one of the country's greatest boxers. Locche's legacy as a defensive tactician and true artist of the sport will forever live on in the annals of boxing history.

In conclusion, Nicolino Locche was a true master of defensive boxing. His elusiveness, footwork, and counterpunching skills set him apart from his peers. Locche's ability to make his opponents miss and frustrate them with his defensive brilliance was truly remarkable. He may not have been the biggest or strongest boxer, but his skill and technique made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Nicolino Locche will always be remembered as one of the greats, a true artist of the sweet science.