Luis Folledo: The Matador of Spanish Boxing
Luis Folledo: The Matador of Spanish Boxing, was born in the Las Ventas neighborhood of Madrid. With hard work and dedication, he quickly established himself as a fundamental figure in Spanish boxing. Born on October 10, 1937, his career, which spanned from 1958 to 1969, was outstanding. Throughout those years, he accumulated an impressive record of 140 fights, achieving 131 victories, 60 of them by KO/TKO. In addition, with national welterweight and middleweight titles, he became a cultural icon of the 1960s, recognized for his skill, stamina and versatility.
A Legend in the Ring
Under the tutelage of Segundo Bartos, a former lightweight champion, Folledo transformed his physique from a slender flyweight to a formidable welterweight. His professional debut in 1958 was marked by 18 fights in less than a year. In 1962, he secured the middleweight title, cementing his place among the best Spanish boxers.
National Dominance and International Attempts
Luis Folledo was a dominant force in Spanish boxing, although major international successes eluded him. Despite this, he achieved important victories against prominent opponents such as Souleymane Diallo and Milo Calhoun. However, he also faced defeats against legends such as Laszlo Papp and Nino Benvenuti. In 1965, he contested the European middleweight title against the undefeated Benvenuti. Unfortunately, he lost in combat, which marked the beginning of the decline of his career.
Beyond Sports
Folledo did not limit himself to boxing. He was also a bullfighter, which earned him the nickname of El Matador del Boxeo, and he participated in several films. Despite opposition from the Spanish Boxing Federation, he continued to show his passion for bullfighting. Upon his retirement in 1969, he trained Alfonso Redondo, a future European champion, leaving a lasting impact on Spanish boxing.
His Legacy
Despite his final years battling Alzheimer’s, Folledo left a legacy of determination and pride. He passed away on May 21, 2017, but his story continues to inspire generations.
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