Raul Rojas (November 5, 1941 – May 20, 2012) was an American featherweight boxer.[1] He accumulated a record of 38 wins (24 by KO), 7 losses and 2 draws. On March 28, 1968, Rojas defeated Enrique Higgins to win the WBA Featherweight Title, which Vicente Saldivar had vacated after announcing his retirement.[1] He lost the title on September 27, 1968 to Shozo Saijo. Rojas was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame.[1]

Raul Rojas
Rojas c. 1968
BornNovember 5, 1941
San Pablo, California, United States
DiedMay 20, 2012 (aged 70)
Los Angeles, California, United States
Statistics
Weight(s)Featherweight
Height1.63 m (5 ft 4 in)
Reach1.57 m (5 ft 2 in)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights47
Wins38
Wins by KO24
Losses7
Draws2

Rojas who was of Mexican descent grew up as a gangster, leading the group "Little Roy's Gang". Two of his brothers were sent to San Quentin State Prison, while Rojas spent time at the California Division of Juvenile Justice. He once said that "If it were not for boxing, I'd probably either be in San Quentin or would already have made the trip to the gas chamber." He died of natural causes at the age of 70. He was survived by daughters Rebecca and Guadalupe.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Pugmire, Lance (May 25, 2012). "Raul Rojas dies at 70; L.A. gang member turned boxing champion". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
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Achievements
Vacant
Title last held by
Vicente Saldivar
WBA Featherweight Champion
March 28, 1968 – September 27, 1968
Succeeded by