*** FLASHBACK – this article first appeared on dmboxing.com on June 27, 2012 and again on April 11, 2018 for viewing.
By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com
On June 4, 2012, at the age of 87, Enrique Bolanos, top lightweight contender, passed away. I never saw him fight, but had the pleasure of meeting him and his lovely wife Ruby at various boxing venues. According to people I know that saw him fight, he was a magnificent boxer that packed southland arenas and stadiums in the Los Angeles area like no other in the golden era of boxing (the 40’s and 50’s).
He engaged in over 100 bouts, winning 79, and fought all the best boxers of his time. Some of the top fighters he faced were Manuel Ortiz, Chalky Wright, Ike Williams, Jackie Wilson, Joey Barnum, John Thomas, Art Aragon, Maxie Docusen, Jimmy Carter, and Paddy DeMarco.
Continue reading Enrique Bolanos / R.I.P.