Career
Garcia is commonly credited to as the first well known user of the bolo punch, which was later popularized by Cuban fighter Kid Gavilan. He was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1977 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1989. Ceferino Garcia was the son of Fortunato Garcia and Pascuala Montano and was 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 also a skilled blacksmith.
While working at a bakery in Cebu City, Garcia met a boxing promoter. This was where his career as boxer started.
On September 23, 1937, Garcia first had a shot for a world title in the welterweight division.
However, Barney Ross bested him by unanimous decision. He was managed, during the final years of his career by George Parnassus. 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 also employed for a time by actress Mae West as her chauffeur and bodyguard.
Garcia died on January 1, 1981 while in San Diego, California. His grave is located at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood, California.
