Unbeaten Garcia Meets Parker at Olympic Tonight

The Great White Hope might have fallen, but the Great Hispanic Hope keeps rising.

Gerry Cooney, the latest in a long line of white heavyweights with designs on the legacy of Rocky Marciano, proved unworthy Monday night when he became a human punching bag for Michael Spinks.

But there might be a new line forming. A one-man line. San Fernando’s Alex Garcia would like to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion.

He has impressive credentials. He was the national amateur super-heavyweight champ before turning pro earlier this year.

Garcia has won all three of his professional fights, two by knockout. In his last bout three weeks ago, he stopped Tony Crawford at 1:57 of the first round.

Garcia faces two new challenges tonight at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. The fight will be a five-rounder, Garcia’s first. And the opponent will be Dominique Parker (4-2, two knockouts) of San Diego, the first fighter with a winning record that Garcia has faced. Parker last fought two months ago, winning a six-round decision.