Boxing Legend Robledo Was Fixture on Local Scene

Canto Robledo, a longtime fixture on the local boxing scene as a fighter, trainer and promoter, died Monday in a Glendora nursing home. He was 86.

Robledo was perhaps best known as the only blind manager and trainer in the sport. He trained nearly 500 fighters, among them 200 professionals, until his retirement in 1990. Robledo also promoted fights at the Hollywood Palladium.

According to his son, Joseph, Robledo also acted as an occasional consultant for a number of legendary figures, including Muhammad Ali, Sonny Liston, Sugar Ray Robinson and Marvin Hagler.

Born in Santa Fe, N.M., and raised in Pasadena, Robledo once was the Pacific Coast bantamweight champion. His career ended in 1935 when he suffered detached retinas in both eyes as a result of his bouts, his son said.

Robledo was 50-3-2 with 35 knockouts over a nine-year span.

He built his first gym in 1941 and trained fighters for nearly 50 years. He owned Crown City Boxing Stables in Pasadena.

In addition to Joseph, Robledo is survived by his daughters, Gloria Romero and Irene Tellez. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

A viewing is Thursday at Cabot & Sons Funeral Home in Pasadena. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew’s Church.