La LEYENDA MEXICANA que PERDIÓ TODO por el LIC0R | RODOLFO El Chango CASANOVA Historia

The Golden Age of Mexican Boxing

Overview of the Era

• The golden age of Mexican boxing in the 1930s and 1940s is marked by numerous stories and legendary fighters who captured public admiration.

• This period transformed boxing into Mexico's national sport, influencing culture and inspiring countless individuals to pursue boxing careers.

Rodolfo "El Chango" Casanova

• One of the most significant figures from this era is Rodolfo "El Chango" Casanova, whose life story includes both triumphs and tragedies. He inspired the film "El Campeón Sin Corona" (1945).

• Born on June 21, 1915, in León, Guanajuato, he faced early hardships after losing his father in war and began working at a young age. His long arms became an asset in boxing.

Early Career

• Casanova started his boxing career as a teenager, winning his first fight against Chad O’Laredo at just 17 years old. He quickly built a reputation with seven consecutive wins following that debut.

• Initially known as "El Nevero de Lagunilla," he gained popularity through exciting matches but lost his first fight in the U.S., yet continued to expand his record across both countries.

Title Opportunity

• In 1934, Casanova earned a chance to compete for the world bantamweight title against Puerto Rican Sixto Escobar in Montreal, Canada—a match that represented pride for Mexico on an international stage.

• The contrasting fighting styles between Casanova's aggressive approach and Escobar's more tactical style set up an intriguing matchup that had fans rooting for him due to his knockout record.

The Night Before the Fight

• Leading up to the title fight, Casanova succumbed to alcohol consumption after leaving his team’s supervision—an act that would haunt him throughout his career. He was found intoxicated before what was supposed to be the biggest night of his life.

• Despite efforts from his team to prepare him physically for the fight while dealing with dehydration issues caused by drinking too much alcohol, he entered the ring under dire circumstances on fight day.

Fight Outcome

• During the match against Escobar, Casanova suffered injuries early on; by round three, he was unable to maintain control and ultimately fell short against Escobar’s strategy leading to a loss after being knocked down multiple times.

• This defeat not only crushed Casanova’s dreams but also left him with lasting regret over missed opportunities—he walked away with $35,000 but carried disappointment for years regarding this pivotal moment in his life.

The Rise and Fall of Chango Casanova in Mexican Boxing

Early Career and Legacy

• Chango Casanova captured the hearts of Mexicans despite not holding a world title, continuing to fight valiantly. In 1937, he faced legendary American boxer Henry Armstrong but lost in the third round.

• Following his match against Armstrong, it became apparent that Casanova was attending fights while intoxicated. His self-destructive behavior coincided with his rising fame as an idol during the golden age of Mexican boxing.

• He fought notable opponents like Juan Zurita and Kid Azteca, winning by decision in their first encounter on March 25, 1936. This solidified his status as "the people's fighter," filling arenas across Mexico.

Achievements and Popularity

• Over a career spanning from 1932 to 1948, Casanova participated in 206 fights, achieving 81 victories with nearly half by knockout. His popularity reflected the deep connection he had with boxing fans in Mexico.

• A significant moment occurred when a fellow Mexican knocked him out; despite being compatriots, the crowd's loyalty remained with Casanova. This incident highlighted his immense popularity compared to other fighters.

Retirement and Cultural Impact

• After retiring in 1945 with national titles under his belt, Casanova inspired the biographical film "El Campeón Sin Corona." Although unauthorized, it became successful despite legal disputes over its production.

• In later years, he appeared in "Guantes de Oro" (1961), where at age 45 he showed signs of decline due to both political issues and personal struggles related to alcoholism.

Personal Struggles and Final Years

• Alcoholism plagued Casanova's life leading him into severe health problems that required hospitalization for mental health issues.

• Chango Casanova passed away on November 23, 1980, at age 65 in Mexico City under dire circumstances marked by poverty—despite having achieved great success through boxing.