Venezuelan welterweight Hugo Rengifo, who fought from 1976 to 1984 (13-3-2, 13 KOs), died of a heart attack on August 12.

A power puncher with an iron chin, Rengifo won the WBC FECARBOX super welterweight title in December 1982 by knocking out Manuel Esteban Zambrano in the fourth. He drew against formidable welterweight Fernando Rocco Castro (36-2-6, 22 KOs) in July 1983 in a fiercely fought but ultimately unsuccessful bid to relieve the Peruvian of his WBA Fedelatin welterweight title. They met for a second time in January 1984 in what proved to be Rengifo’s last fight, the Venezuelan again challenging the Peruvian for his WBA belt but losing by unanimous decision.

All of Rengifo’s wins came by way of knockout. What’s perhaps even more impressive is that he himself was never stopped.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.