Arruza, Carlos

Carlos Arruza, original name Carlos Ruiz Camino, (born February 17, 1920, Mexico City, Mexico—died May 20, 1966, Mexico City), Mexican bullfighter, the dominant Mexican matador and one of the greatest of any nationality in modern times.

Born in Mexico of Spanish parents, he began as a professional torero at the age of 14 in Mexico City. He went to Spain in 1944 billed as “El Ciclón” and soon was ranked as the most serious contender to challenge Manolete’s preeminence in the arena. Day after day the two toreros competed to see who could be awarded the greatest number of ears (cut from the bulls after an excellent performance by the matador).

In 1945 Arruza concluded one of the most astounding seasons in the history of la fiesta brava: he fought in 108 corridas, killed 232 bulls, and was awarded 219 ears, 74 tails, and 20 hooves, twice as many as Manolete in the same period.

Arruza retired in 1953 to raise bulls on a ranch outside of Mexico City.