Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles (Images of America: California)

Welcome to the colorful, flamboyant, and wonderful world of Mexican American boxing in Los Angeles. From the minute they stepped into the ring, Mexican American fighters have electrified fans with their explosiveness and courage. These historical images bring to life a sociological culture consisting of knockouts, the Main Street Gym, the Olympic Auditorium, neighborhood rivalries, Mexican idols, posters, and promoters. Like a winding thread, "the Golden Boy" Art Aragon bobs and weaves throughout the book. From "Mexican" Joe Rivers to Oscar De La Hoya, the true stories of their sensational ring wars are told while keeping alive the spirit and legacy of Mexican American boxing from the greater Los Angeles area. unknown The 1900s-1930s: there was murder in his eyes -- The 1940s: bombs away on the west coast -- The 1950s: when the little guys were kings -- The 1960s: "War-a-week" at the corner of eighteenth and grand -- The 1970s: "King" Carlos rules with a left hook -- The 1980s: thrills and chills with "Schoolboy" -- The 1990s: there's a new golden boy in town.