Plenty of names have lived on in the history books, but there are those that slip through the cracks - and there aren't many who deserve to be remembered like Nicolino Locche.
The Argentine was a superstar in his prime, with an exceptional record and a reputation as one of his generation's most impressive defensive fighters against foes in the ring.
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003, he sadly passed just two years later, but left behind an incredible 117–4–14 (1) from 136 professional bouts.
Today, DAZN looks back at the arguable highlight of his career, more than half-a-century ago, when he captured the WBA light-welterweight title against Takeshi Fuji in Tokyo.
Who was Nicolino Locche?
Dubbed The Untouchable throughout his career, the Argentine Locche was born on September 2, 1939, in the city of Tunuyán, Mendoza, located in the shadow of the Andes.
He debuted as a teenager against Luis Garcia in 1958 and would go on to fight professionally for almost two decades, hanging up his gloves after a 1976 win over Ricardo Molina.
His nickname was earned thanks to his unparalleled defensive abilities, often frustrating opponents as he dodged punches with both ease and grace and rarely taking hits himself.
It made him a national hero in Argentina, with an unconventional boxing style that prioritized skill over brute force and relied on his extraordinary reflexes and head movement.
Though he may not have been a heavy hitter, his ring IQ and ability to outmanoeuvre opponents made him a force to be reckoned with - and he sealed his legacy in 1968 in Japan.
Who was Takeshi Fuji?
Born Paul Takeshi Fuji in Honolulu, then located in the Territory of Hawaii, on July 18, 1938, the American star was another who sat at the summit of the light-welterweight divsion.
After a prolific amateur career well into his mid-twenties, he turned professional in 1964 and would quickly climb the ranks, losing his first name after he moved to Tokyo to train.
He claimed domestic titles within a dozen fights, and ultimately became world champion when he took the WBC, WBA and lineal crown in an upset over Sandro Lopopolo. in 1967.
That was the high mark of his career, with Fuji launching one more successful defence before he faced - and ultimately lost his crown to - Locche in the ring a year later in 1968.
He continued with a handful of further fights afterwards, but never reached the summit again and ultimately retired in 1970 with a 34-3-1 record after beating Benito Juarez.
What happened in the fight?
The fight took place at Tokyo's Kuramae Kokugikan Arena, a historic venue for combat sports, on December 12, 1968 - and a partisan crowd ultimately swung for the challenger.
Locche’s performance was a masterclass in defensive boxing, evading Fuji’s attacks with ease, and drawing cheers from the crowd with his head movement and counterpunching.
The Argentine dominated, seemingly breaking Fuji’s spirit by controlling the tempo with his impeccable timing and footwork, and holding the upper hand through nine rounds.
In the 10th round, with their star unable to land a tide-turning blow, Fuji's corner threw in the towel, unable to watch their star endure further punishment behind the ropes.
The result saw Locche claim the WBA title, his only championship, and laid the platform for the next four years, as he continued to defend his position atop the division.
How has Nicolino Locche been remembered?
While many fighters remain big in the public eye long after they are gone, Locche is mostly remembered in his home country, light-welterweight fans and not too many others.
He lost the WBA title against Alfonso Frazer on points in 1972, and would challenge one last time for it a year later, against Antonio Cervantes, who he had previously beaten.
The Colombian instead prevailed, with Locche forced to retire ten rounds into the contest, and the star wound down his career three years afterwards in 1976.
But his impact on the division remains unquestionable, thanks to his style allowing him to outlast and out-think his opponents with his defensive genius and his showmanship.
Locche's win over Fuji remains perhaps the defining chapter - and on this day, it would be fine to remember him as one of the division's most underappreciated greats.
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