Ex-world bantamweight champ Raul Macias dies at 74

MEXICO CITY — Former world bantamweight champion Raul Macias has died from cancer at age 74. Macias' son Arturo said his father died on Monday at a hospital in Mexico's capital. Known by the nickname "Mouse," the 5-foot-3½ Macias emerged from Mexico City's tough Tepito neighborhood and participated in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics in Helsinki then turned pro the next year. He won the vacant NBA — which late became the WBA — world bantamweight title over Thailand's Chamrern Songkitrat in 1955. The affable boxer, famed for keeping in shape by dancing, became Mexico's top sports hero and dedicated his triumphs to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the country's patron saint. More than 50,000 people filled the capital's bullfighting ring to see him defeat Nate Brooks in September 1954 for the North American title. Macias successfully defended the world title twice before losing it to Alphonse Halimi on a split decision in 1957. Macias retired for good in 1962 at age 28 with a professional record of 41-2, with 25 knockouts. He turned to work as a trainer and to acting in television soap operas. – AP