Carlos Cuadras Retires – What’s His Legacy?

“This is my last fight. I decided from the beginning of this promotion that I would retire if I lost. Today’s opponent was a tremendous foe, and I humbly accept defeat. The fighter I faced [Monday] will become a world champion. This was my first fight in Japan in 10 years. I’m very happy to have been able to step in the ring again after all this time. My career began here [in his fifth pro fight, just five months in] and I will end it here,” Cuadras said

Legacy

Cuadras was a fighter known for his dynamic style, technical skill, and sheer resilience, competing at the highest level for over a decade. He engaged in the iconic September 2016 battle with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, a fight widely considered a modern classic that showcased Cuadras’s ability to compete with an all-time great. Even in his late career, he proved his quality, notably taking rising star Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez the distance in a 2022 title bout.

Cuadras’ early success, including winning a gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games as an amateur, built the foundation. However, his legacy also carries notes of controversy and personal struggle, which often shadow the sport. In 2018, Cuadras was suspended by the WBC after he refused a doping test, an incident that preceded his entry into rehab to deal with drug issues.