Fight of "El Raton" Macías (1950)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Boxing sayings
Some say that boxing is the art of offense, of controlled aggression. Those small moments that shift from the calm of a dance to the explosion and violence of a punch that causes the thunderous fall of a body on the canvas.
Fight of "El Raton" Macías (1950)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Controlled aggression
Others say that boxing is the art of defense, of dodging punches to counter at the right moment. A dance of two people who are always seconds away from defeat or victory.
The Sinaloan Guadalupe Cebreros, who went to the mat (1968-10-15)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican style
The truth, as is often said, falls in most cases somewhere between the two – but for the Mexican boxer, there tends to be only one answer. The renowned Mexican style has its foundations in our culture of gallantry, bravery, and honor.
The Mexican Guadalupe Cebreros, in an exchange of left blows with the Arab El Nahas (1968-10-15)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Always moving forward
Always moving forward, unafraid of being hit – perhaps that's why many of the great boxers who adorn the annals of Mexican boxing history have earned their place as legends.
El Ratón - 41-2 - 25 KO
One of them was Raúl Macías, born in the tough neighborhood of Tepito and nicknamed 'Ratón' ('Mouse'). He was a full-fledged world champion, not only the first great idol of Mexican boxing, but even became a member of the Latin American Hall of Fame.
Unexpected advantage
In his childhood, Raúl was a shoemaker; in his adolescence, a messenger. But he always carried the spirit of a champion with him. The nickname 'Ratón' comes from his size and from when he used his speed against bigger fighters.
Raúl “El Ratón” Macías with President José López Portillo in the Magdalena Mixhuca (1980-02-18)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican icon
Being Pedro Infante's trainer for his movie Pepe el Toro, being a fervent Guadalupano, and his great love for his mother turned El Ratón into a fan favorite. Proof of this was in 1954, when 55,000 people watched him defeat Nate Brooks.
Alberto Morales, XIX Olympics (1968-10)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexico 1968
But El Ratón was not the only boxer to become a Mexican hero. Mexico has a great tradition in the Olympic Games. Boxing was the sport in which Mexico won the most medals at its own 1968 Olympic Games.
Alberto Morales, flyweight, beat German Englemeier (1968-10-19)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexicans of excellence
Four Mexican athletes made history here. Ricardo Delgado, gold medalist in flyweight, Antonio Roldán, gold in featherweight, Joaquín Rocha, bronze in heavyweight, and Agustín Zaragoza, bronze in bantamweight, took Mexico to the top of the table.
The Irishman Treacy against Delgado of the Mexican team (1968-10-20)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican champion
Delgado, nicknamed 'El Picoso' ('Spicy'), was one of the favorites before the Games due to his extraordinary amateur career of 125 wins and four losses. He defeated Poland's Artur Olech in the final by unanimous decision.
Alfonso Ramírez misses a left hand against the Soviet Vladimir Musalinov, welterweight fight (1968-10-24)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Boxers and legends
In essence, Mexican boxers have always carried the heart of Mexico in their boxing style, bearing not only the expectations of millions who admire them but also the values of courage and gallantry that are an intrinsic part of being Mexican.
Display of the stellar boxing fight, "El Raton" Macías (1980)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican boxing:
A testament to the gallantry and bravery of Mexico and a cultural identity.
This story was created with information and support from Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.
