Floyd Mayweather’s ‘legendary’ cutman Rafael Garcia – a key part of his entourage who worked with him for over a decade – has died aged 88.
The unbeaten boxer confirmed the news in a social media post with a tribute where he said ‘you lived your life to the fullest.’
Garcia was involved in the sport for more than 60 years and helped 35 world champions including Roberto Duran, Alexis Arguello, Wilfredo Gomez, Chad Dawson and many more.
Mayweather said on social media: “Rafael Garcia you will be missed. You lived your life to the fullest, and you will be remembered for all your contributions to the sport of boxing.
“Let your soul rest with no more pain. Love always and forever your Mayweather Promotions family.”
Mayweather was so fond of Garcia of the playful he refused to let anyone else wrap him. Garcia was on hand to give him advice as well as taking care of any cuts the boxer – with a record of 50-0 – had during his career.
“My hands were bothering me and when a fighter doesn’t have confidence in his hands,” Mayweather said several years ago.
“I finally had to find the best wrapper out there. And that is Rafael Garcia. I won’t let anyone else touch my hands.”
The World Boxing Council said: “On behalf of wbcmoro and the WBC Family we would like to send our condolences to the Rafael Garcia’s Family.
“Rafita a legendary cutman legend in boxing, an amazing human being and friend to many.
“You will be dearly missed by many. Thank you for sharing your life with the boxing world.”
Sports anchor Amber Dixon called him: “A fixture in the corners of prizefighters and a welcome sight at Las Vegas gyms, the boxing world lost legendary cutman Rafael Garcia today.”
In 2015 Garcia didn’t wrap the champion before his match with Marcos Maidana.
He told ESPNDeportes.com at the time: “Yes, it’s true I didn’t tape him, but he hasn’t fired me. I thanked him after the fight because I retired from boxing, but I’m fine with him. Thanks to him I live how I live.
“Before they push me aside, I leave and thank him for everything. Maybe I’ll go to the gym and watch him and the others, but I’m all grown up, I want to enjoy life.”
Source:Dailynmail
