Ceferino Garcia

Ceferino Garcia was a Filipino boxer who is considered as one of the greatest middleweights of all time. Born on August 26, 1906, in Naval, Biliran, Philippine Islands, Garcia made his professional boxing debut at the age of 16 against Pedro del Mundo on May 5, 1923. The fight ended in a draw, but it was just the beginning of Garcia's illustrious career that spanned over 21 years, from 1923 to 1945.

Garcia had a total of 162 fights throughout his professional career, winning 118, losing 30, drawing 14, and having no-no contests. He won 74 of his fights via knockouts and suffered six losses via knockout. He won one title and defended it once. Garcia was known for his height of 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) and Orthodox stance.

Garcia was a devastating puncher and is commonly credited as the first well-known user of the bolo punch, which was later popularized by the Cuban fighter Kid Gavilán. His Bolo Punch became known as a trademark of his career and made him an extraordinary boxer inside the ring.

Garcia's professional boxing career started with a draw in his debut fight, but he went on to win three consecutive fights, including one via stoppage. However, Garcia's first significant loss came against Antonio Garcia via 4th round TKO on June 28, 1924.

But Garcia did not let that loss stop him from achieving greatness in the ring. He continued to fight and compete at high levels, eventually fighting for his first World Title against Barney Ross on September 23, 1937. However, Garcia lost to Ross via 15 round unanimous decision while competing for the NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring welterweight titles.

Garcia had some remarkable fights and notable victories throughout his career, including wins over two hall-of-famers, Fred Apostoli and Lloyd Marshall, Joe Glick, Bobby Pacho, and Tony Roccaforte. Yet, Garcia lost to his fair share of boxers, suffering 24 losses through decisions and six losses via knockouts.

Garcia's last professional fight was against Bill McDowell on January 15, 1945. Garcia lost the fight via 10 round PTS. After a brilliant boxing career, Garcia retired with a record of 118-30-14, which included 74 knockout wins and six losses via knockout, and one title win.

Garcia may have retired from professional boxing, but he continued to be remembered and recognized for his contributions to the sport. In 1977, he was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame for his outstanding record, and in 1989, he was included in the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Garcia passed away on January 1, 1981, at the age of 74 in San Diego, California, United States. However, his legacy lives on, and his boxing achievements remain a significant milestone in the history of Filipino boxing.

Ceferino Garcia was a true champion whose record speaks for itself. Despite suffering losses, Garcia persevered and achieved great heights within the sport. His legacy, as the only Filipino boxer to become World Champion in the middleweight division, will forever be remembered in the annals of boxing history.

Ceferino Garcia Fight Record