Gustavo Lemos Inching Ever Closer to a Title Shot at 135
Devin Haney, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Vasyl Lomanchenko, George Kambosos Jr, and Ryan Garcia are names you hear first and foremost from many observers when discussing the lightweight division. Another fighter looking to make a name for himself at 135 is Argentine contender Gustavo “El Electrico” Lemos (28-0, 18 KOs).
The 26-year-old Lemos is one of nine siblings. Life wasn’t easy as he grew up in poverty on the farmlands of Tres Arroyos, Argentina. He used to sell donuts for his mom to make some extra money for his family. Lemos was introduced to boxing by his father/trainer, Pedro Alem. He fell in love with the sport and made The Sweet Science his lifelong investment.
Making his pro debut in May 2016, he first gained attention after a fourth-round stoppage of Ruben Dario Lopez in January 2018 to capture the IBF Latino junior welterweight title. The wins continued to pile on.
Local observers took notice and tapped Lemos as a fighter of promise. Despite looking impressive in the ring, there was skepticism. The issue was the competition was not considered respectable. As a result, there was little love for El Electrico internationally.
HIS BREAKTHROUGH FIGHT
Then came the night of March 26, 2022, when he stepped into the ring against former IBF 126-pound champion Lee Selby in an IBF lightweight title eliminator. Fighting in front of a rabid crowd in his nation’s capital of Buenos Aires, Lemon was dazzling. He overpowered and overwhelmed Selby en route to a dominant fifth-round TKO. After the bout, Selby decided to call it a day and retire from boxing. It was the kind of eye-raising performance that made pundits take note.
For those who have not seen him in action, Lemos is the definition of an aggressive fighter. He is in your face from the opening bell. Very strong for the division, he loves to bully and rough up his opponents in close quarters. His style is reminiscent of three-division champion and Hall of Famer Jeff Fenech.
Now ranked number one by the IBF, Lemos is in line for a world title shot. With undisputed champion Devin Haney set to fight George Kambosos Jr on October 15, Lemos hopes to get his opportunity to fight for a world title in 2023.
Lemos is hungry to make his mark. Like all professional fighters, his goal is to become a world champion and be the next great fighter from his country. He may not be known to everyone, but with each passing bout, “El Electrico” continues to move up the ladder and make a name worthy of paying more attention to at 135.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
