OBITUARIES / PASSINGS / Raul Macias

Raul Macias, 74, a former world bantamweight champion, died of cancer Monday at a Mexico City hospital, his son Arturo said.

Known by the nickname “Mouse,” the 5-foot-3 1/2 Macias emerged from Mexico City’s tough Tepito neighborhood and participated in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics before turning pro the next year.

He won the vacant world bantamweight title sponsored by the National Boxing Assn. -- which later became the World Boxing Assn. -- over Thailand’s Chamrern Songkitrat in 1955.

The affable boxer, famed for keeping in shape by dancing, became one of Mexico’s top sports heroes and dedicated his triumphs to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the country’s patron saint. More than 50,000 people filled the capital’s bullfighting ring to see him defeat Nate Brooks in September 1954 for the North American title.

Macias successfully defended the world title twice before losing it to Alphonse Halimi on a split decision in 1957.

Macias retired for good in 1962 at age 28 with a professional record of 41-2, with 25 knockouts. He turned to work as a trainer and to acting in television soap operas.