Pedro Carrasco

Pedro Carrasco was a Spanish boxer who became the second Spanish world champion in boxing history. He started his career in 1962 and won the European lightweight title in 1967. He became the WBC lightweight champion in 1971 after defeating Mando Ramos by disqualification in Madrid. The fight was controversial as Carrasco was lying on the canvas when Ramos hit him in the head. The referee ruled it an illegal blow and awarded the victory to Carrasco. The WBC ordered a rematch in Los Angeles, where Ramos regained the title by a split decision. They fought again in Madrid, where Ramos won by another split decision. Carrasco retired in 1972 with a record of 105 wins (66 by knockout), 3 losses and 2 draws. He had an impressive undefeated streak of 92 wins and one draw from 1964 to 1970. Carrasco was also a popular figure in the Spanish media and show business. He married the famous singer Rocío Jurado in 1976 and they had a daughter, Rocío Carrasco, who became a television presenter and businesswoman. They divorced in 1989 after several years of separation. Carrasco married again in 1996 to Raquel Mosquera, a hairdresser who was 25 years younger than him. They had a daughter, Raquel Carrasco, in 1999. Carrasco died of a heart attack in his home in Madrid on January 27, 2001. He was buried in Chipiona, Cádiz, where his ex-wife Rocío Jurado had a house. His death was mourned by many fans and celebrities in Spain. He is remembered as one of the greatest Spanish boxers of all time and a charismatic personality who transcended the sport.