Canastota, NY, USA (December 16, 2023) - Luis Angel Firpo's century-long wait for recognition in the International Boxing Hall of Fame has finally come to an end. The Argentine top heavyweight legend, renowned as "The Wild Bull of the Pampas," was announced as part of the Class of 2024 in the "Old Timers" category, marking a monumental milestone for his legacy and Argentina's boxing history.

Maria de Lourdes 'Chiche' Perez Barbieri, Firpo's great-niece and a custodian of his legacy, expressed overwhelming pride at the news. "This is an enormous pride for us. It's a long-awaited acknowledgment of his strength, both physical and mental, and his humility," she said emotionally.

Firpo is best remembered for his legendary bout against Jack Dempsey for the world heavyweight championship in 1923 at New York's Polo Grounds. In a seismic moment in boxing history, Firpo sent Dempsey tumbling out of the ring, immortalized in art and pop culture. However, despite the spectacle, the fight lasted less than 100 seconds, with Dempsey securing the victory after a dramatic return to the ring following his fall.

Controversy surrounded Dempsey's return, as he received assistance to re-enter the ring, which under different circumstances could have led to his disqualification. Additionally, Firpo fought with a significant injury to his left arm, sparking discussions of what might have transpired if he had fought Dempsey at full strength.

Firpo's legacy extended far beyond that iconic bout. In Argentina, he was an instant celebrity, owning the country's first-ever professional boxing license and becoming an iconic figure in sports. His fame led to business ventures and widespread recognition, solidifying his status as an Argentine boxing icon.

Despite his other achievements in the ring, Firpo's legendary clash with Dempsey remained the centerpiece of his legacy, reverberating through history and securing his place in the annals of boxing lore.

The induction of Firpo into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2024 serves as a long-awaited tribute to his legacy and contributions to boxing, offering a final note of justice and recognition for his enduring impact on the sport and his home country of Argentina.

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