Aurelio Díaz

Aurelio Díaz began his sporting career as a middle-distance track athlete, but soon found boxing to be more to his liking. He was the Spanish welterweight champion from 1945 through 1947 and made an appearance at the 1947 European Championships, although he did not earn a medal. In 1948 he was selected to represent Spain at that year’s Olympic boxing tournament, where he defeated Robert Cranston of India and Max Shacklady of Great Britain before being disqualified in the second round against upcoming gold medalist Július Torma of Czechoslovakia.

Díaz turned professional following the Games and won seven of his first eight bouts to earn himself a chance at the Spanish welterweight title. He was bested by Antonio Monzon, however, and never again fought for a major title, retiring in 1953 with a record of 9-4-2. He then travelled to Argentina, where he set up a gym in Buenos Aires and decided to reside there permanently.