OSCAR DE LA HOYA TO DEDICATE “HOMECOMING” BOUT TO THE ORIGINAL LOS ANGELES GOLDEN BOY ART ARAGON

Posted on | May 1, 2008 | No Comments

LOS ANGELES (April 30, 2008) – The current “Golden Boy” and legendary champion Oscar de la Hoya will pay tribute to the original Los Angeles “Golden Boy” Art Aragon, who died this year at the age of 88.

“Art Aragon meant so much to boxing and the Los Angeles community,” said De La Hoya, who was called “Golden Boy” soon after winning his 1992 Olympic gold medal. “With his passing this March, I thought it was only fitting to dedicate my fight to him and acknowledge his great contribution to boxing and the community. I am glad his family will be able to be there for this special night.”

The Aragon family will be guests of De La Hoya Saturday night, sitting ringside and being acknowledged by a ceremonial announcement in the ring before the main event bout.

“My family is extremely grateful to Oscar for acknowledging my father by dedicating his “Homecoming” bout to him,” said Brad Aragon, son of the deceased fighter. “It meant a lot to him to have Oscar use ‘Golden Boy’ as his ring name as my father truly believed that, like him, Oscar has given so much to boxing and the community around him. I wish Oscar all the best and know that my father will be watching Saturday night too.”

Aragon, was born in Belen, New Mexico on November 13, 1927. He grew up in Los Angeles, fought during the 1930s and 1940s, and was given the name “Golden Boy” by screen actor William Holden after Holden starred in the 1939 movie of the same name. He was the second Golden Boy in boxing, the first being heavyweight Jack DeMave, who fought in the ’20s.

Aragon, who compiled a career record of 90-20-6 (61 KO’s), wore gold trunks and robes and loved to play the villain in the ring. His only title shot came on November 14, 1951 when he lost a 15-round decision to lightweight champion Jimmy Carter, whom he had previously defeated. Aragon also fought Carmen Basilio, Don Jordan, and Billy Graham. Handsome in looks and married four times, he was romantically linked to Marilyn Monroe, Mamie Van Doren, and Jayne Mansfield among others. After his retirement in 1960, Aragon became a bail bondsman and appeared in several movies and TV shows.

“Homecoming”—On Saturday, May 3, De La Hoya will face former world champion Steve Forbes, in what will be the first-ever boxing event at The Home Depot Center’s soccer stadium. The bout will also mark De La Hoya’s return home to fight for the first time in Los Angeles since 2000 as well as his return to HBO’s World Championship Boxing for the first time since 2001. Homecoming” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Tournament of Contenders, AEG and The Home Depot Center and is sponsored by Cazadores, Tecate, Rockstar Energy Drink, Southwest Airlines and Affliction Clothing. The match up will be televised live by HBO’s World Championship Boxing beginning at 10pm ET / 7pm PT.

Tickets priced starting at $25.00 may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 213-480-3232 or by visiting ticketsmaster.com. Group tickets, VIP packages and Hospitality packages are available by calling 1-877-AEG-TICKETS (1-877-234-8425) or by visiting www.aegtickets.com.