Ernie "the Fighting Gamecock" Lara

Year Inducted: 1989
Nominated By: Becky Arrigo (sister)
Sports Competed In: Boxing
Athlete, Coach or Contributor: Athlete

Ernie Lara

Athlete (Boxing):
● Was a professional Featherweight boxer.
● Nicknamed “Pueblo's Fighting Gamecock”.
● Won the Featherweight title of Colorado in 1934, defeating Henry Jackson of Ft. Garland.
● Also fought against Mickey Moran of Walsenburg, Eddie Trujillo and Sal Levinson (all in 1935).
● Won the Lightweight Title of Colorado on Aug. 28, 1936, defeating Mickey Martin.
● Made his first lightweight title defense against Abe Valdez on Oct. 21, 1936.

Quotes:
"I fought a lot of fights and lost only four and I was never knocked out!"
--Ernie Lara

Personal:
Lived in Pueblo until his death at age 92 on November 3, 2004