Two ring legends pass
Tuesday, March 25 2008
by Chris Cozzone
Boxing lost two ring legends in March. On March 11, Ted “Mustang” Garcia passed away at the age of 90. Then, four days later, on March 15, Art “Golden Boy” Aragon, 80, suffered a stroke that led to his death today, March 25.
Aragon was the original ‘Golden Boy’: Art Aragon, born in Belen, N.M., might’ve been Los Angeles’ biggest box-office draw. Finishing a 16-year career, from 1944 to 1960, with a record of 89-16 (60 KOs), Aragon defeated names like Enrique Bolanos and Tony Chavez on his way to a world title shot against lightweight champ James Carter, in 1951. Though he lost a 15-round decision, Aragon defeated Carter twice in non-title fights. Before retiring in 1960, Aragon lost to Carman Basilio in 1958, and defeated Don Jordan twice, Chuck Davey, Cisco Andrade and Chico Vejar. After retiring, Aragon went into the bail bonds business.
Garcia was Rocky Mountain champ: Ted “Mustang” Garcia, who fought from 1937 to 1948, was a half-Spanish, half-Blackfoot Native American, who racked up an estimated record of 80-15 headlining shows from Colorado to New Mexico to Galveston, Texas. Garcia was New Mexico and Rocky Mountain lightweight champion, and fought everyone from champion Lew Jenkins (three times) to contender Larry Cisneros and Midget Mexico. Garcia once fought four times in seven days, winning all four, three by KO.
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