International Boxing Hall Of Fame

Born in Junin, Argentina on October 11, 1894.

Firpo turned pro in 1917 in Buenos Aires and in 1920 won the South American heavyweight title with a first -round stoppage of previous conqueror Dave Mills. The 6’3” puncher scored wins over Gunboat Smith (W 12, KO 12), Bill Brennan (KO 12) and Jess Willard (KO 8) to set up a 1923 heavyweight title bid against champion Jack Dempsey. Held in front of 80,000 fans at the Polo Grounds in New York on September 14, 1923, the title contest was one the most dramatic in history. Dempsey dropped Firpo seven times in the first round, while Firpo responded by sending the champion through the ropes to nearly capture the title. In the second stanza, Dempsey dropped Firpo two more times to retain his title in an epic slug-fest. Following his championship fight, he continued boxing until 1926, including a no-decision bout with Harry Wills in 1924. Inactive from 1927-1935 he returned to the ring in 1936 and ultimately retired following a loss to Arturo Godoy (TKO by 3) in July of that year with a record of 31-4 (26 KOs) with one no-decision. Firpo died on August 7, 1960 at age 64.

Beloved in his home country, a statue of “The Wild Bull of the Pampas” was erected in Buenos Aires following his death and “Boxing Day” in Argentina is September 14th, the date of his valiant effort against Dempsey.