Cruz Marcano ~ The Boxer that they called 'El Loco"

[Bill Paxtom]

{AP} Sunday ~ August 23, 1970

~ Venezuelan Boxer Dies In Car Crash ~

Cruz Marcano, the #5 World-Rated Featherweight boxer was killed in a car crash late
Satruday Night {August 22nd}.

The accident occurred around 11:00 PM - Saturday Night on a Mountain Road {Route 9}
along the northern shore in the Region of Pocotos, which is approximately 200 Miles east
of Caracas.

Cruz Marcano was returning to his home in Cumana, Venezuela after spending a Week
training at the Saint Theresa Gym in Caracas.

Reports stated that a car coming in the opposite direction crossed the center-line, and
collided head-on with the car that Cruz Marcano was driving. A passenger was also in the
vehicle with Mr. Marcano, but there have been no reports on that person's condition.

Ramiro Machado {Boxing Promoter and Boxing Manager} >

It is a tragedy. Cruz was a great person, and a fantastic boxer. He had a joy for life,
and loved his family.

He wanted to become a World Champion, to make some good money and to take care
of his family, especially his mother. He wanted to buy her a new home over-looking the
Caribbean Sea in Cumana.

Cruz had been training in Caracas for the week {Monday thru Saturday}. He left here
about 6:00 PM for the 6-Hour drive back home to Cumana. He planned to stay in Cumana
for 4-Days, and was planning to return back to Caracas next Thursday to resume training.

Additional Report >

Cruz Marcano {Age; 24 years, 5 months} had only lost 'once' in 29-Bouts over a 4-Year
career, in compiling a record of 25-1-3.

His nickname was 'El Loco' {The Crazy One}, for his sometime crazy antics in the Ring,
as in yelling at his opponent asking to be hit, or dropping his hands to his side and offering
up his chin as a target.

Cruz was scheduled for a bout at the Nuevo Circo in Caracas for September 5th, against
the only fighter to ever defeat him - Guillermo 'Memo' Morales.

The Venezuelan Press had projected Cruz Marcano as a future World Champion for 1971.