Luisito ?Earthquake? Espinosa: TAP THE ROPES FOR LUCK
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 21 Mar 2014
Filipino prizefighters interestingly tap their heels against the bottom ropes before the round.
Here?s some rhyme and reason for this riveting habit adopted by Pinoy boxing greats.
?It works (Puwede).? ---Manny Pacquiao.
?Eases the nerves.? ---Dodie Boy Penalosa.
?I agree with Kuya Dodie? ---Gerry Penalosa?
?Pumps me up.? ---Nonito Donaire, Jr.?
?You mean kick the ropes??--- Morris East.
So, who started the trend?
Let?s give credit to the greatest Filipino bantamweight and featherweight champion --- Luisito ?Lindol? Espinosa --- the only Filipino boxer, and one of seven international fighters since 1890, to win the bantamweight and featherweight crowns. ?Parang talisayin bago sabong (Just like a fighting cock before the derby), ? Espinosa summarized.
Espinosa?s Best performances:
- KO1 Kaokor Galaxy, WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- TKO8 Hurley Snead, defense WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- UD12 Thanomsak Sithboabay, defense WBA bantamweight championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
- KO1 Raul Perez, WBC Featherweight Championship (Tokyo, Japan)
KO6 Carlos Rios, WBC Featherweight Championship (Koronadal, South Cotabato)
- UD 12 Manuel Medina (Tokyo, Japan) and TD8 (Manila Bay, Philippines), WBC Featherweight Championship
- KO4 Alejandro ?Cobrita? Gonzalez, WBC Featherweight Championship (Guadalajara, Mexico)
Curriculum vitae:
- Athlete of the Year (Philippine Sports Writers Association)
- WBC Featherweight Champion (December 1995- May 1999, 7 defenses)
- WBA Bantamweight Champion (October 1989-October 1991, 2 defenses)
- California Bantamweight Champion (1988)
- WBC Mundo Hispano Champion (February 1993)
Author?s Notes: Happy Birthday to my brother Herminigildo ?Jay? Rivera, Jr.
Photo: Luisito Espinosa KO2 Ever Beleno (130 pounds @ San Jose, California. Golden Boy Promotions) Pic: Courtesy of Nelson Carrera 1ofonephoto.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Santisima Wins But Vicelles Loses; Suarez-Navarrete Rematch Hangs in the Balance?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Locked & loaded for Lewis Crocker rematch, Paddy Donovan has prepared to be crowned the new IBF Welterweight World Champion
Mon, 08 Sep 2025Robby Gonzales Advances to Round of 16 with Win Over Cuba
Mon, 08 Sep 2025James Padua rules Marikina rapid chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Remembering Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde: A Pilgrimage of Gratitude
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sun, 07 Sep 2025Hometown Triumph: Oscar Valdez Defeats Ricky Medina by Decision
Sun, 07 Sep 2025Team USA Captures Two Wins on Day Three of 2025 World Boxing Championships
Sun, 07 Sep 2025McCormack Stops Parra in 9
Sun, 07 Sep 2025Monika Singh Makes History as India's Newest Youth World Champion
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 07 Sep 2025Who is Nico Walsh?
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 07 Sep 2025Kelvin Watts Highlights Day Two of World Boxing Championships for Team USA
Sun, 07 Sep 2025Weigh-In Results: Oscar Valdez vs. Ricky Medina
Sat, 06 Sep 2025WEIGHTS FROM LOS MOCHIS: Eduardo Nuñez - 130 Lbs., Christopher Diaz - 129.6 Lbs.
Sat, 06 Sep 2025“THE HOMECOMING” OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
Sat, 06 Sep 2025‘SUGAR’ NUNEZ VS. ‘PITUFO’ DIAZ – PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Sat, 06 Sep 2025