28 Facts About Michael Carbajal

Michael Carbajal was born on September 17,1967 and is an American five-time world boxing champion of Mexican descent.

Michael Carbajal's nickname was "Little Hands of Stone" after his favorite boxer, "Hands of Stone" Roberto Duran.

Seven months after the Olympics, in February 1989, Michael Carbajal made his debut in front of a national television audience as part of the card where Duran became a four-time world champion by beating Iran Barkley in Atlantic City.

Michael Carbajal followed that win with a spectacular first-round knockout of Silviano Perez on NBC.

Four more wins followed, and Michael Carbajal was presented with an opportunity to fight for a world championship.

On July 29,1990, Michael Carbajal faced Muangchai Kittikasem, who came to Phoenix from Thailand to defend his IBF light flyweight championship.

Michael Carbajal methodically took apart the champion in front of an ABC national audience.

Michael Carbajal began a string of twelve victories over the next two and a half years, including six title defenses against challengers such as Leon Salazar, Hector Patri, Kim Kwang-Sun and Robinson Cuesta, and a win over future champion Jesus Chong in a non-title fight.

Michael Carbajal then fought a highly anticipated unification match with WBC champion Humberto Gonzalez on March 13,1993.

Michael Carbajal was downed in rounds 2 and 5, and he was bleeding from his right eyebrow when he blasted a tremendous left hand to the side of Gonzalez's chin in the seventh round.

Gonzalez turned sideways, and Michael Carbajal landed another right hand that sent him to the canvas.

Gonzalez could not beat the count, and Michael Carbajal had unified the world's Junior Flyweight championship in The Ring's fight of the year.

Michael Carbajal would be named fighter of the year for 1993.

Michael Carbajal was accused of firing gunshots onto the roof of a party in Scottsdale.

Michael Carbajal next took on former sparring partner Abner Barajas, winning by a fifth-round knockout in Laughlin, Nevada, and then was given another shot at a world title by the WBO title holder Josue Camacho, who came from Puerto Rico to the challenger's hometown to defend his title.

Michael Carbajal put on a brilliant performance and won a unanimous twelve-round decision over Camacho.

Once again, it was a split decision, and , Michael Carbajal came out on the losing end.

Michael Carbajal wouldn't give up and he kept training under the guidance of his brother, Danny Carbajal, the only man ever to train Michael.

Michael Carbajal put another string of seven wins together, against the likes of former world champion Jose Quirino, whom he stopped in one round, and tough Mauro Salas, who lasted seven.

Michael Carbajal beat Castro by unanimous decision to claim his fourth world title.

On January 18,1997, Michael Carbajal suddenly looked aged and was unable to do anything against the charges of Colombian Mauricio Pastrana.

Michael Carbajal still made the fight close, but lost a twelve-round split decision.

Michael Carbajal showed he had more left than Olson did, and dominated the fight until a spectacular right hand sent Olson down for the count in round 11.

Michael Carbajal did not fight for 19 months after this defeat.

Michael Carbajal won three bouts, including a tko victory over former champion Jose de Jesus, and on July 31,1999, he took the short flight from Phoenix to Tijuana to challenge WBO world Junior Flyweight champion Jorge Arce, who was fighting in his hometown.

The referee stopped the fight, and Michael Carbajal was a world champion for the fifth time.

Michael Carbajal is trying to live a quieter life nowadays in Phoenix, but he does many public appearances.

Michael Carbajal enjoys meeting his public and signing autographs for his fans.