Ceferino Garcia

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Ceferino Garcia (August 26, 1906 – January 1, 1981) was a Filipino boxing champion who became the Philippines’ first world middleweight champion and is credited with popularizing the bolo punch.

Early life
Ceferino Montano Garcia was born in Naval, Biliran, Philippines, the oldest of six children. He grew up with little formal schooling and spent time gambling. Before boxing, he worked as a skilled blacksmith. At 17, he was so feared in street fights that few would take him on. His path to boxing began after meeting a promoter while working in a Cebu City bakery.

Boxing success
Garcia’s boxing career took off in the United States, where he fought across many venues and built an impressive record. He challenged for the welterweight world title in 1937 but lost to Barney Ross. He reached the pinnacle in 1939 when he won the world middleweight title by defeating Fred Apostoli by knockout in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first Filipino to hold a world middleweight championship. Garcia defended the title three times before losing it to Ken Overlin on points in 1940. Known for his sharp technique and power, he was an early user of the bolo punch, a move later popularized by Kid Gavilán. His professional record includes 164 fights, with 120 wins (76 by knockout), 30 losses, and 14 draws. He was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1977 and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1989.

Life after boxing
After retiring, Garcia had a few acting roles, including appearing as himself in Joe Palooka, Champ. He also worked for a time as Mae West’s chauffeur and bodyguard. In the 1930s and 1940s, he lived in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights neighborhood.

Death and legacy
Ceferino Garcia died in San Diego, California, on January 1, 1981, at the age of 74. He is buried at Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood, California. Garcia is remembered as a trailblazer for Filipino boxing and the man who helped introduce the bolo punch to the sport, leaving a lasting impact on boxing history.