Ceferino GARCIA

August 26, 1906 - January 1, 1981

A champion boxer from Naval, Biliran Province in Leyte, he holds the most victories ever achieved by a Filipino boxer. In addition to that, he's the only prizefighter from the Philippines to become world champion in the middleweight division. Here's some interesting facts about this great Filipino athlete, who is commonly credited to as the first well known user of the bolo punch, which was later popularized by Cuban fighter Kid Gavilan as well as the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, and Roy Jones.

FAST FACTS

• The oldest of six children, he never completed first grade and became quite indulged in gambling. • At 17, he was feared by many that nobody would take him in a street fight. • He was a skilled blacksmith. • While working at a bakery in Cebu City, he met a boxing promoter. This was where his career as boxer started. • He first had a shot for a world title in the welterweight division on September 23, 1937. However, Barney Ross bested him by unanimous decision. • On October 2, 1939, he fought for the world Middleweight title in the United States and won it. He defended that title three times until he lost to Ken Overlin on points. He was managed, during the final years of his career by George Parnassus. • An 18-year career saw him acquiring more than a hundred wins with 67 of those coming by way of knockout, earning him the distinction as one of the hardest-hitting Filipino boxers in history. • After retiring from the ring, he made a few uncredited appearances in Hollywood films with the exception of "Joe Palooka, Champ" in which he plays himself. • He was employed for a time by actress Mae West as her chauffeur and bodyguard. • He died on January 1, 1981 while in San Diego, California. His grave is located at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood, California. • He was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1977 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1989.