BIG MONEY CAREER OVER FOR SRUGGLING ARAGON
Even if he refuses to follow the avalanche of advice from his freinds and decides instead to continue fighting, Art Aragon is doomed as a big money gate attraction. Despite his struggling efforts to the contrary, the handwriting has been shouting on the wall ever since Art was pasted by Carmen Basilio before a California record $236,531 crowd in September 1958. But it wasn't until his one-sided loss to Reybon Stubbs that anybody would really believe it.
Now, even his dreams of one last big money battle with Battling Torres or Don Jordan have been smashed. The State Athletic Commission might not even sanction matches. Aragon would be in real physical danger. Against Stubbs, Art's reflexes and legs (despite the fact he had trained well and was in good condition) were gone.
Not a heavy puncher, Stubbs actually toyed with Aragon as he outboxed him all the way, winning nine of 10 rounds on the cards of nearly every ringside reporter. Nevertheless, Aragon as always, made it exciting. He kept chasing Stubbs trying to get over one big punch. But it was pathetic and futile. Aragon had the desire, but no longer the equipment. His big punch has vanished.
Looking back, he's had a fabulous career-15 years, most of it as the No. 1 attraction in Los Angeles. Even near the end here in 1959, he managed to win seven, drop only two. But the magic is gone. Fans realize now more then ever that he can't beat any really good opponents. The Stubbs bout drew well (but not impressive for an Aragon match) as 5500 fans turned up to pay a gross gate of 10,566. It will get worse if he continues.
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