This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (March 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately from the article and its talk page, especially if potentially libelous.Find sources: "Israel Contreras" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (April 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Israel Contreras
Born
Israel Contreras

(1960-12-27) December 27, 1960 (age 63)
La Guaira, Venezuela
NationalityVenezuela Venezuela
Statistics
Weight(s)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights42
Wins38
Wins by KO27
Losses3
Draws1
No contests0

Israel Contreras (born December 27, 1960) is a Venezuelan former professional boxer who won the World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association world bantamweight titles. He had a supporting role in the Mel Gibson film Apocalypto.

Boxing career

Contreras turned professional in 1981 and lost his first title fight to WBA super flyweight title holder Khaosai Galaxy by KO in 1986. He later moved up in weight and in 1990 captured the WBO bantamweight title with a TKO over Ray Minus. Contreras vacated the title to fight Luisito Espinosa for WBA belt in 1991 and won by KO in the 5th. He lost the belt in his first defense to Eddie Cook. He retired in 1995 after a TKO loss to Johnny Vasquez. Contreras collapsed in the hospital after the bout, but recovered.

Achievements New championship WBO bantamweight champion February 3, 1989 – February 20, 1991Vacated VacantTitle next held byGaby Canizales Preceded byLuisito Espinosa WBA bantamweight champion October 19, 1991 – March 15, 1992 Succeeded byEddie Cook