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Merida is the birth place of one of the most important figures in Mexican boxing.
A man destined for the World Boxing Hall of Fame. None other than Miguel Canto, better known as “The Master”.
Born in Mérida on January 30, 1948, Miguel was the fourth of nine brothers-four boys and five girls. The son of Santiago Canto Gutiérrez and Zoila Elidé Solís Sierra. From a young age he helped at a candy and drinks stand that his father had in the no disappeared cinema “Alcázar”.
Young Miguel did not have in his plans to become a professional boxer. He actually wanted to be a baseball star, a discipline he practiced even when he started boxing.
However, Miguel’s wishes took a turn with destiny, when his brother Carlos took him to the fight of Silverio “Chamaco” Ortiz against the “Zurdo” Aparecido, in the Plaza de Toros de Mérida in the 1960s.
Determined to triumph in the ring, Miguel not only showed he possessed unique skills but also an extraordinary work ethic that quickly positioned him as a boxing phenomenon in Yucatan.
His first fight as a professional boxer was against Raúl Hernández in February 1969 and although that occasion he did not win, the story placed him on the path as one of the best flyweights.
Becoming one of the favorites of the fans, Canto, did not taste the honey of success immediately, because on August 4, 1973 he lost the opportunity to be crowned champion of the WBC, as Betulio Gonzalez defeated him by majority decision.
However, this setback was avenged in Japan as on January 8, 1975, he defeated local Shoji Oguma. Canto is recognized as the champion Who fought the most world title fights of 15 rounds completed in the history of boxing, always presenting a stylized technique in the ring.
He always listened to the wise and astute advice of his manager and inseparable friend Don Jesus ‘Cholaín’ Rivero. His last fight was in 1982 against Rodolfo Ortega.
The man who gave so many glories to Mexico and especially his beloved “White City” left the ring, but never ceased his endeavors, because he shared his experience and knowledge as a coach, always willing and eager to help other fighters.
However, the health of our beloved champion was affected. An accumulation of fluid inside the brain cavities (hydrocephalus) began to cause certain deteriorations in the health of the champion. So he had to undergo surgery that thanks to the experience of the Dr. Aguilar Rabanales from the “Ignacio García Téllez” Medical Center of the IMSS of Mérida, Yucatán, was a success.
Our beloved champion was discharged after having spent a few days under medical observation and today he is at home with the loving care of his wife Irma Rodríguez.
However, and because of the delicate procedure, Don Miguel must focus all of his energies to complete his recovery and at this point, the WBC wants honor the thrills and feats that our beloved champion gave us in each of his performances.so he will be supported by the “José Sulaimán Fund” a dream that Don José had and that nowadays is a reality.
In this way, Miguel Canto can now concentrate on one thing: To recover completely and continue to inspire us.
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