Senate Resolution No. 1711

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Luis Angel Firpo posthumously upon the
occasion of his induction into the International
Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding professionals in the boxing industry who distinguished
themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining
unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement;
Luis Angel Firpo was one such individual, and his life of achievements
inspired others and contributed to the respect and admiration of the
sport of boxing; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Luis Angel Firpo posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into
the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; he will be honored
within the Old-Timer category of boxers at the 35th Anniversary
celebration from June 6-9, 2024, in Canastota, New York; and

WHEREAS, Luis Angel Firpo was born in Junin, Argentina, on October
11, 1894; and

WHEREAS, In 1917, in Buenos Aires, Luis Angel Firpo turned
professional; in 1920, he won the South American heavyweight title with
a first-round defeat of previous champion, Dave Mills; and

WHEREAS, The 6'3" heavy hitter scored victories over "Gunboat" Smith
(W 12 and KO 12), Bill Brennan (KO 12), and Jess Willard (KO 8) to
catapult him to the heavyweight title bid against champion Jack Dempsey
in 1923; on September 14, 1923, at the Polo Grounds in New York City,
the battle for the title commenced before 80,000 cheering fans and
became known as one of the most dramatic fights in history; and

WHEREAS, In the first round, "The Wild Bull of the Pampas" was
knocked down seven times, responding by launching the champion through
the ropes, nearly capturing the title, only to be dropped two more times
by Jack Dempsey who retained his title in the monumental face-off; and

WHEREAS, Until 1926, Luis Angel Firpo continued his boxing career,
including a no-decision fight with Harry Wills in 1924; from 1927-1935,
he was inactive but returned to the ring in 1936; in July of that year,
following a defeat by Arturo Godoy (TKO 3), "The Wild Bull of the
Pampas" officially retired with a 31-4 record (26 KOs), including one
no-decision determination; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 64, Luis Angel Firpo died on August 7, 1960;
prized in his home country of Argentina, a statue of "The Wild Bull of
the Pampas" was erected in Buenos Aires to commemorate his death, and
Boxing Day in Argentina is September 14th, the date of his fearless
fight against Jack Dempsey; and

WHEREAS, Luis Angel Firpo clearly contributed to the spirit of
excellence which is a tradition of the International Boxing Hall of
Fame; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Luis Angel Firpo posthumously upon the occasion of his induction
into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Luis Angel Firpo.