Rafael Garcia, longtime cutman for Floyd Mayweather, passes away at 88

After nearly 70 years in the sport of boxing, Rafael Garcia has passed away at the age of 88, just two days after being diagnosed with leukemia and given six months to live as initially reported by RingTV.

Garcia is best known for working with all-time great Floyd Mayweather Jr. for nearly 20 years as a cut man and hand wrapper. Upon hearing the news, Mayweather visited Garcia’s Las Vegas and spent a couple of hours with the man he credited for saving his career.

Garcia was also a corner member for the likes of Roberto Duran, Alexis Arguello, Wilfredo Gomez, and most recently, former world champion Jessie Vargas.

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, received word that Garcia was ill from Vargas, who called him Sunday evening. Garcia was Vargas’ godfather, and the Mexico native was a role model to many young fighters.

“He didn’t want no one to get anywhere near (Floyd’s) hands,” Ellerbe said. “He was a legend in the sport, and he will definitely be missed by everyone and everyone he came in contact with, he made them have a lasting memory of him.

“He would always be dancing and laughing. He just loved life. It really tears up my heart that he passed away.” Garcia was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in August

Garcia was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in August.

Arrangements are pending.