Francisco Marrero (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 1912–1982) made his entrance into the world in the Toscal district before his family relocated to Los Llanos. Dubbed Pancho Camurria, he began his fighting journey in informal groups in the Cuatro Torres area at a tender age, eventually joining the professional club Tinguaro in 1943.
Subsequently, he joined the ranks of the Santa Cruz Fight Club, where he clinched significant victories. Furthermore, he was a key member of the Tenerife-based Canarian wrestling team.
His tussles with the prominent names of Canarian wrestling of that era captivated enthusiasts. Among them, the most iconic encounter took place at the bullring of Santa Cruz de Tenerife against Pedro Rodríguez, Pollo de Las Canteras, an adversary of superior stature and weight whom he overcame by a margin of three bouts to two.
Endowed with remarkable physical strength in his arms and legs, Camurria diligently engaged in daily workouts at the gym and uphill runs to Los Campitos, refining his reflexes and agility in the process.
Renowned for his stature of 1.60 meters and weight of 70 kg, Camurria is celebrated as one of the most magnetic figures in local sports. He exemplified that “in Canarian wrestling, skill triumphs over brawn,” inspiring the popular chant by Los Sabandeños: “The underdog triumphed, the giant fell, just as Angelito, Palmero, and Camurria did against their larger opponents.”
Upon retiring at 37, he assumed the role of coach for the Hernán Imperio team, where his son Berto also competed. Camurria concurrently held a position as a supervisor at the La Hondura dock of the Spanish Petroleum Company (CEPSA).
Throughout his lifetime, he garnered several accolades, including the Gold Medal from the Territorial Federation of Canarian Wrestling for his outstanding contributions. He was recognised as an Exemplary Producer by the Spanish Petroleum Company, commending his integrity and commitment to his duties.
- The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife posthumously honoured him by naming the Canarian Wrestling Pavilion in the Buenos Aires district after him.
- The annual youth selection tournament of the Canarian Wrestling Federation is dedicated in his honour.
