The Hispanic code of “machismo” is a harsh one. Ache, weak spot or humility don’t exist for the true “macho man” who concedes nothing, won’t ever admit defeat or failure. Within the Nineteen Seventies, such males wreaked havoc on the planet {of professional} prizefighting. The record is led by Roberto Duran and Carlos Monzon, however that well-known and formidable pair had been removed from alone. Ruben Olivares, Wilfredo Gomez, Rafael Limon, Carlos Zarate — all robust, proud, Latino boxers, all world champions. However maybe none higher exemplified the cussed spirit of the true “macho” warrior than Argentina’s Victor Galindez.
Not notably highly effective, Galindez relied on aggressiveness, brute power and glorious counter-punching abilities to finest his opponents. Nobody questioned his toughness or his braveness. Undefeated in 23 fights earlier than seizing a world title in 1974, he then gained one other nineteen straight. In all, he had gone nearly seven years with out a loss when he defended in opposition to a younger American contender named Mike Rossman on the undercard of the rematch between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks in September of 1978. Few gave Rossman an opportunity to dethrone the champion, with most pundits solely speculating as to how lengthy the bout may final earlier than Galindez notched one other victory.
However to everybody’s shock, Rossman soundly defeated the champion. Exhibiting no concern of the now legendary veteran, the challenger elected to battle toe-to-toe, his straighter, sharper punches opening deep cuts over the champion’s eyes. Because the rounds handed Rossman’s confidence solely grew and by the late going he was flat-out dominating his bloodied and battered opponent. In spherical 13, an exhausted Galindez was being pummeled on the ropes when the referee stepped in and introduced a halt to the one-sided thrashing.
Such is the tough code of machismo that a number of weeks later Galindez appeared at a boxing card in Buenos Aires and the followers booed him mercilessly. Machismo additionally demanded that Galindez give Rossman no credit score for his win. “I had been sick,” stated the ex-champion earlier than the rematch. “I had marital issues. I weighed 190 kilos and I needed to starve. I wasn’t myself as a fighter.”
After Rossman notched a routine title protection, Galindez vs Rossman II, full with stay nationwide tv protection, befell in Las Vegas on March third. Besides it didn’t. Actually ten minutes earlier than the competition was slated to start out, Galindez packed up his luggage, strode out of his dressing room and left the constructing. “I don’t want the cash,” he growled as he stormed out of the sector.
The rationale? The Argentinian challenger and his folks had insisted on “impartial” judges, i.e. Latin American, and when the Nevada fee refused to conform, Galindez refused to battle. Once more, macho ideas made backing down, even beneath probably the most intense stress, unthinkable. Bob Arum and ABC tv had been left to choose up the items.
The rematch was scheduled for April 14th, this time again in New Orleans, and this time Galindez, after getting the officers he wished, made his approach to the ring with out incident. And this time, the ex-champion had skilled with zeal and, in distinction to the primary battle, was in excellent situation.
The opening rounds had been tightly aggressive, each boxing respectfully, Rossman’s hand-speed and straighter punches giving him a slight edge, however then the turning level got here within the fourth. Rossman linked with some glorious proper arms and gave the impression to be gaining management, however his eagerness to commerce introduced him into firing vary for the Argentine. On the finish of the spherical Galindez linked with a thunderous left hook-uppercut mixture that harm the defending champion badly. When the challenger saved punching after the bell, Andy Rossman, Mike’s brother, stormed the ring and Galindez threw a pair pictures his approach as each corners threatened to show the affair right into a free-for-all.
That didn’t assist Mike any, and issues quickly sufficient went from unhealthy to worse for Rossman. Sooner or later he scored with a proper to the highest of the challenger’s head and fractured his hand. Galindez, attacking with extra fury and effectiveness than he ever confirmed again in September, now took over, mauling Rossman on the ropes and clubbing him with each fists. Not like the primary battle, Victor didn’t tire and cuts had been by no means an element. In desperation, on the finish of spherical 9 Rossman blatantly butted Galindez. It might be his last telling blow of the match as instantly upon taking his stool he raised his proper hand and instructed his nook, “I can’t stand the ache.” The referee was summoned and the competition was delivered to an finish.
The second the battle was formally halted Galindez tried to cost throughout the ring, to not present sportsmanship and pay respects to a fallen opponent, however as an alternative to taunt Rossman, shouting invective and gesturing his contempt. Ever the macho man, the champion conceded no regard or esteem for his former conqueror, fairly the opposite. Quitting, it should be remembered, is the cardinal sin of the macho code, as Roberto Duran would be taught the next yr.
“I’ll by no means battle him once more,” vowed the primary man to ever regain a light-weight heavyweight world crown. “He’s a hen, a coward. I’ll by no means give him a rematch.” When it was identified that Rossman gave him a second likelihood, Galindez dismissed the argument. “I obtained a rematch as a result of I deserved it. I gained’t give him one, as a result of he doesn’t deserve it.”
True to his phrase, Galindez as an alternative fought Marvin Johnson. He misplaced by a knockout within the eleventh spherical, after which misplaced once more earlier than being pressured to retire as a consequence of indifferent retinas in each eyes. His boxing profession completed, what might a macho man do however develop into a race automobile driver? In October of 1980 and in his very first race, Argentina’s well-known Turismo Carretera, Galindez and his driving associate suffered a breakdown and pulled over. Minutes later one other automobile slammed into them, killing each males. Victor Galindez was 31-years-old. — Michael Carbert
