Former World Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion Jose Torres passed away on Monday at the age of 72. ‘Chegui’ made his debut in 1958, winning 33 of his first 35 professional fights (the draw came to future Welterweight Champion Benny Paret). In November of 1964, Torres scored a first round knockout of former Middleweight World Champion Carl ‘Bobo’ Olsen, earning him a shot at the Light Heavyweight title. In March of 1965, Torres battered Light Heavyweight Champion Willie Pastrano, knocking him down in the 6th round en route to a 9th round TKO win, making him the third Puerto Rican (behind Sixto Escobar and Carlos Ortiz) to win a World Boxing Championship.
Torres successfully defended his title three times in 1966, with decision wins over Wayne Thornton and Eddie Cotton and a 2nd round knockout against Chic Calderwood. In December of 1966, Torres lost his title via close 15 round decision to former Middleweight Champion Dick Tiger. Tiger and Torres squared off again in 1967 with Torres losing a 15 round split decision. Many fans thought Torres won the fight and a riot broke out at Madison Square Garden. ‘Chegui’ would fight two more times, winning both by knockout before he retired in 1969. Torres stayed active in boxing during his retirement, writing books on Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, working as the NYSAC Commissioner for five years and as WBO chairman for six years. In 1997 Torres was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He passed away after a heart attack on January 19th, 2009. One of Puerto Rico’s great champions, Torres will be missed in the boxing community. RIP!
Jose Torres (1936-2009)
