Santos Laciar

Santos Benigno Laciar was an Argentinean professional boxer who was born on January 31, 1959 in Huinca Renancó, Córdoba. He was considered to be the best World Flyweight Champion.

He started fighting professionally in 1976 where he defeated Carlos Maliene in 4 rounds in his hometown. In that same year, competed in 10 more fights, including a knockout win in a rematch against Carlos Reyes Sosa. Then in 1978, he participated in 13 bouts. This was also the year where he faced his first defeat against Ramon Soria, and also his 10 round decision win over Angel Luis Fernandez in his Buenos Aires debut fight. A year after, in 1979, he again competed in 13 fights but only won 9 times.

In 1981, he was ranked No. 1 by WBA after defeating Jose De la Cruz. Then he flew to South Africa and won over Peter Mathebula wherein he was declared the World’s Flyweight Champion. With this victory, he became Argentina’s national hero.

Laciar continued winning bouts, defeating former champions such as Betulio Gonzalez in Venezuela, Prudencio Cardona by a knockout, and Hilario Zapata in Buenos Aires to name a few. By the end of 1985, he was known all over Latin America where he was featured in magazines with articles about him.

In 1986, he became the world champion for the third time when he defeated the late Gilberto Roman in a knockout in the 11th round in Reims, France. He was eventually defeated by Roman in 1988 where they faced each other in Inglewood, California.

He eventually retired in 1990, after his 14 year career in boxing.