Willibaldo García

Willibaldo García Pérez, widely known in the boxing world as “Sullo,” is a professional Mexican boxer and the reigning IBF World Junior Bantamweight Champion. His career is a remarkable story of perseverance, grit, and the classic Mexican fighting spirit.

The Journey: From Underdog to Champion

Born on December 24, 1989, in Copala, Guerrero, Mexico, García turned professional in 2017. Unlike many champions who start with perfect records, Willibaldo’s path was paved with challenges. After losing three of his first five professional bouts, he was written off by many. However, through relentless training and elite-level determination, he transformed himself into a world-class contender, earning the nickname “Mexico’s Rocky.”

Championship Glory (2025)

The pinnacle of García’s career arrived on May 23, 2025, in Zacatecas, Mexico. In a high-stakes rematch against the undefeated Rene Calixto Bibiano, Willibaldo delivered a masterful performance to capture the IBF World Junior Bantamweight Title. This victory redeemed their previous 2024 encounter, which had ended in a controversial draw, and solidified García’s place among boxing’s elite.

Fighting Style: The “Unstoppable Force”

Willibaldo is an orthodox fighter known for his aggressive, high-pressure style and incredible physical durability. Perhaps his most impressive statistic is his “Iron Chin”—despite competing in over 30 professional fights and facing heavy hitters like Paul Butler and Alexandro Santiago, García has never been knocked out or stopped. His ability to absorb punishment and keep moving forward makes him a nightmare for any opponent.

Career Statistics at a Glance:

• Total Fights: 32

• Record: 23-6-2 (1 NC)

• Knockouts: 13 (56.5% KO rate among wins)

• Weight Class: Super Flyweight / Junior Bantamweight (115 lbs)

• Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)

• Current Status: IBF World Champion

Legacy and Future Outlook

As of late 2025, Willibaldo García is at the peak of his powers. He is currently preparing for one of the most anticipated fights of the year—a title defense against the legendary Japanese champion Kenshiro Teraji on December 27, 2025. A win in this bout would propel “Sullo” toward a potential unification fight, bringing him one step closer to becoming the undisputed king of the 115-pound division.