16 Facts About Fidel LaBarba

Fidel LaBarba was an American boxer and sportswriter.

Fidel LaBarba was born in New York City and grew up in Los Angeles, California.

Fidel LaBarba began boxing around age 12 or 13 in little amateur cards held weekly at places such as the Elks Club, which were promoted by Carlo Curtiss, who had been one of World Heavyweight Champion Jess Willard's managers.

Fidel LaBarba found it ironic that his first "official" amateur opponent was none other than Dave Mariney.

Fidel LaBarba was about four feet tall, and his opponent a foot and a half taller.

Fidel LaBarba had been a United States Army boxing instructor during World War I By the early 1920s, Blake was a well-known referee for boxing venues such as Jack Doyle's Vernon Arena, and would become the regular referee at the soon-to-be-built Hollywood Legion Stadium.

Fidel LaBarba was much-respected and known as a man of impeccable character.

Blake took an interest in the young and talented Fidel LaBarba, and asked Bob Howard to have him come down to the club.

Fidel LaBarba owned only one pair of torn tennis shoes.

Fidel LaBarba finally mustered the fortitude to go see Blake; thus started a very long relationship.

Fidel LaBarba was the quarterback for the "lightweight" football team.

Fidel LaBarba won the gold medal in the flyweight division at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Fidel LaBarba won his first five fights, and in 1931 split two decisions with Kid Chocolate.

Fidel LaBarba's career was prematurely curtailed when he suffered a detached retina in training for a fight against Kid Chocolate for the New York featherweight title.

Fidel LaBarba died of heart failure in Los Angeles, California, in 1981.

Fidel LaBarba was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996.