Low Sponsorship, Poor Profitability and a Sports Anti-Hero. Boxing in Costa Rica (1949-1975)

Abstract

This article aims to study the development of boxing in Costa Rica from 1949 to 1975. It delves into the study of the main boxers, the venues where they fought, and their major sporting triumphs both within and outside the country, providing an insight into the sporting level of Costa Rican boxing during the years of study. Biographical books were used to better understand the boxing environment of the time. Brecha magazine was consulted to analyze the treatment of the boxer Jesús "Tuzo" Portuguez's sporting career and his presentation as a sporting antihero. During the years of study, the sporting level of Costa Rican boxing was poor due to the failure to win world titles or at the 1968 Olympic Games. This is confirmed by an analysis of the performance of national boxing medalists in official tournaments of the International Amateur Boxing Association. This situation stems from the lack of state and private support and the low profitability of the boxing spectacle for business owners and fight organizers. The only exception was the case of Jesús “Tuzo” Portuguez, who managed to have a successful career at the national and Central American levels.