The Shot

This chapter focuses on George Parnassus who, by the late 1950s, had become one of the most powerful figures in boxing. He came to be known as a specialist in developing Latino talent. In 1957 the Olympic Auditorium's matchmaker, Babe McCoy, lost his license (for fixing fights), and Parnassus, whose reputation by then had garnered him great local respect, was recruited as his replacement. Parnassus was looking for the next Latino sensation. He had managed Los Angeles native Art “The Golden Boy” Aragon in the 1950s, had set him up for a losing title fight against Carmen Basilio in 1958, and then watched him get handed down in the ranks. In Gaspar, Parnassus saw a big, popular score. He saw the first Mexican welterweight champion of the world. Working deals was Parnassus' forte, and he would need to work one with Kid Paret to make this happen.