Leo Cruz
Leo Cruz | |
---|---|
Statistics | |
Real name | Leonardo Cruz |
Nickname(s) | Leo |
Weight(s) | |
Height | 5 ft 5+1⁄2 in (166 cm) |
Nationality | ![]() |
Born | Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic | January 17, 1953
Stance | Orthodox |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 51 |
Wins | 41 |
Wins by KO | 18 |
Losses | 8 |
Draws | 2 |
No contests | 0 |
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.
Personal[]
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.
Early life[]
Leo moved to Puerto Rico early in the 1970s, and began identifying himself as half Puerto Rican almost immediately.
Pro career[]
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,[1] 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,[1] but in a rematch on 12 June 1982 at Miami, Cruz became world champion by defeating Palma by a decision, also in 15 rounds.[2]
Cruz in his first defense knocked out Benito Badilla of Chile in eight rounds, at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.[3][4] 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,[5] by decision in 15; after dropping him in round eight; also in San Juan.[5] In his first defense at his home country, Cruz put his title on the line on 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,[6] 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.[7]
Comeback[]
Cruz attempted a comeback in 1985, winning one fight, but retiring for good after that.
References[]
- ^ 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[]
- 1953 births
- Living people
- Super-bantamweight boxers
- World super-bantamweight boxing champions
- World Boxing Association champions
- People from Santiago de los Caballeros
- Dominican Republic expatriates in Puerto Rico
- Dominican Republic male boxers