Leo Cruz
Leo Cruz | |
|---|---|
| Born | Leonardo Cruz January 17, 1953 Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Other names | Leo |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | |
| Height | 5 ft 5+1⁄2 in (166 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 51 |
| Wins | 41 |
| Wins by KO | 18 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 2 |
Leonardo Cruz (born January 17, 1953, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic), better known in the world of boxing as Leo Cruz, was a world Jr. Featherweight champion from the Dominican Republic. He is the younger brother of former lightweight world champion of boxing, Carlos Cruz.
Personal
[edit]Leo was the brother of Carlos Cruz. Carlos had conquered the world Lightweight title by beating Carlos Ortiz in 1968, but lost his life in a plane crash on February 15, 1970 that killed all 102 passengers and crew on board.[1]
Early life
[edit]Leo moved to Puerto Rico early in the 1970s, and began identifying himself as half Puerto Rican almost immediately.
Pro career
[edit]He began his successful professional boxing career in Puerto Rico, with a string of wins. Despite having beaten future two time world champion Lupe Pintor, however, Cruz was still a virtual unknown when given a chance to win the WBC world Jr. Featherweight championship. Despite losing by a knockout in the 13th round against world champion Wilfredo Gómez,[2] his stock around the boxing world rose after that fight. Cruz kept on fighting, and winning, until he was given a second world title try, this time by the WBA world champion Sergio Victor Palma, in Buenos Aires. Cruz was beaten by a decision in 15 by the Argentine world champion,[2] but in a rematch on 12 June 1982 at Miami, Cruz became world champion by defeating Palma by a decision, also in 15 rounds.[3]
Cruz in his first defense knocked out Benito Badilla of Chile in eight rounds, at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.[4][5] When Gómez left his WBC title vacant soon after, Cruz became recognized by most fans as the universal world champion. Then, he defeated South Korean challenger Soon-Hyun Chung,[6] by decision in 15; after dropping him in round eight; also in San Juan.[6] In his first defense at his home country, Cruz put his title on the line in August 1983 against Nicaraguan challenger Cleo Garcia at Santo Domingo. Cruz retained the title by a decision.
With a defense against Puerto Rican Victor Luvi Callejas looming ahead,[7] Cruz went to Milan in February 1984, and, while defending his crown against Italian Loris Stecca, was stopped in round 12, therefore losing the WBA world junior featherweight title.[8]
Comeback
[edit]Cruz attempted a comeback in 1985, winning one fight, but retiring for good after that.
References
[edit]- ^ "Una tragedia aérea que aún duele" [An aerial tragedy that still hurts] (in Spanish). El Nuevo Dia. 2012-02-12. Archived from the original on 2014-05-05. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b Perez, Santos (1982-06-10). "Palma vs. Cruz, one more time". The Miami News. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ "Fans' Spirit Helps Cruz Earn Decision". Gainesville Sun. Associated Press. 1982-06-14. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ "Leo Cruz makes first title defense". St. Joseph News-Press. Associated Press. 1982-11-13. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ "Mancini blasts rival, who is critical". Star-News. 1982-11-14. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ a b "Cruz defends title". Reading Eagle. United Press International. 1983-03-16. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ "Sports Shorts". The Lewiston Daily Sun. Associated Press. 1984-02-22. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ "Stecca overcomes Cruz". Reading Eagle. Associated Press. 1984-02-23. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
External links
[edit]- Boxing record for Leo Cruz from BoxRec (registration required)