The Golden Boy Passed Away

[Chris Nagel]

The Golden Boy Passed Away

Terrible news. Art Aragon, the 'Real' Golden Boy passed away yesterday. I remember greynotsoold telling me of some great fighters to watch, and Art Aragon was one of the fighters that he mentioned.

From behind a computer screen I couldn't find any of Art's fights. I wish I had. However I did find an interview on youtube, and in recalling his lightweight title fight he said, "while most guys get carried out of the ring, I had to get carried out of the ring." It was during the days of getting weighed at ringside, and he starved for a week and became very weak to get within the lightweight limit. He never won the title, but in the end he won the adoration of the fans that knew him. He would bring in some of the largest gates in L.A. history, be the only one to get booed not because of Animosity, but it was customary, and everyone loved him. He dated starletts, seen the world, and in the end the great warrior lived a full and rich life.

We're all booing you. You deserve the name Golden Boy more than anyone else. Rest in peace champ, you will be remembered.



P.S. you read his obituary here: Art Aragon, 80; colorful L.A. boxer - Los Angeles Times