Art Aragon Remembered!

Thursday, March 27 2008

By Robert Coster

Long before Oscar De La Hoya, boxing had its "Golden Boy" - Art Aragon. The boxing world today mourns Aragon who has just passed away at the age of 80. The California lightweight contender was a phenomenon of popularity in the 50's because of his warrior style, his flash and his good looks. Fans flocked in masses at LA's Olympic Auditorium to watch him fight. Aragon's record reads like a Who's Who of top lightweights and welterweights of his time. He beat three world champions -- Lauro Salas, Don Jordan and Jimmy Carter -- and yet was given only one title shot. He fought Hall of Famer Jimmy Carter three times and beat him twice but lost the one time it counted, in a lightweight title bout at the Olympic Auditorium on November 14, 1951. Art came out that night on the short end of a 15 round decision. One can only wonder what a boxer of Aragon's caliber would have done on this day and age of multiple-titles and divisions. How many titles would the original Golden Boy have won? Carmen Basilio, Billy Graham, Chuck Davey are other familiar names on Aragon's record --all memorable fights leaving lasting memories. The Golden Boy retired in 1960 after a career that lasted 16 years and a final tally of 90-20-6 (61 KOs). A great warrior who, unjustly, will never be registered as an official world boxing champion but certainly one who deserved such an honor. Rest in Peace, Art Aragon.

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