Rosedale Park Mural Tells the Story of Prolific San Antonio Athlete

Published on March 23, 2026

Robert ‘Pikin’ Quiroga is depicted throughout his life on the almost 60-foot-long mural, “Westside to Worldwide.”

SAN ANTONIO (March 23, 2026) – A once-blank wall at Rosedale Park now tells the story of Robert “Pikin” Quiroga, a champion boxer from the westside of San Antonio. He is shown as a young boy and gradually ages alongside friends and family across the 59-foot-long wall. This public art project is a collaboration between the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture, Parks & Recreation, and Council Districts 5 and 8.

“The entire Quiroga family are pillars of the District 5 community, and integral to San Antonio’s westside,” District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo said. “The sport of boxing has brought our neighbors together and remains important to our community. It’s exciting to see this mural as a way to honor Mr. Quiroga and to share westside history.”

San Antonio Artist Mike “Comp” Arguello was selected as the artist, and he worked closely with the Quiroga family on the design. Using spray paint, Arguello is able to create lifelike and eye-catching portraits.

“This project is a beautiful testament of what is possible when City departments and Council districts listen to the community about the stories that are important to them,” said Krystal Jones, Director of the Department of Arts & Culture. “We’re proud to have Mr. Quiroga’s story translated into a work of art that everyone can access, learn about, and enjoy.”

Rosedale Park is a large space in District 5 equipped with athletic courts, fields, trails, and more. A pavilion close to the mural also bears Robert Quiroga’s name, and serves as a location for community boxing events and matches.

“Gathering spaces like this are vital to communities,” said Homer Garcia III, Director of Parks & Recreation. “They bring people and families together for special events and serve as the backdrop for lifelong core memories. We are honored to have an original mural by artist Mike Comp at Rosedale Park that celebrates Robert — a beloved member of this community.”

Quiroga was the International Boxing Federation Super Flyweight World Champion at the height of his career. He successfully defended his title five times before retiring. A graduate of Edgewood ISD’s Memorial High School, friends and family remember Quiroga as a loving and down-to-earth San Antonian.

He was tragically murdered in 2004 at the age of 34. In the years since, his younger brother Epifano “Epi” Quiroga has started an antibullying initiative, SABULLYFREE, to share Robert’s story.

Learn more about the artwork on the Arts & Culture website.