José Legrá obit

LEGEND GONE 

Jose Legra dead at 83: Former two-time WBC featherweight world boxing champion passes away as tributes pour in

 

He was not on the list.

LEGENDARY Spanish boxing champion Jose Legra has passed away at the age of 83 on Wednesday in Madrid.

The Cuban-born fighter, nicknamed ‘The Puma of Baracoa’, held the WBC World Featherweight title in 1968 and 1972.

The World Boxing Council has paid tribute to the icon who leaves behind a massive legacy in the ring.

Legra claimed the vacant European Featherweight title – his first belt – in 1967 with a stunning third-round knockout win over France’s Yves Desmarets.

But his boxing career began seven years prior, after he turned pro in Cuba, where he claimed a victory with a points decision over four rounds.

He departed for Spain at 20 years old with 27 wins from 34.

The youngster burst onto the scene with a blockbuster KO as he began a tremendous 60-win run in the 60s.

Legra only lost ONCE betwen 1963 and 1967 against Welshman Howard Winstone at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

The history books came calling after he was crowned as WBC Featherweight World Champion TWICE.

It was not until the summer of July 1968 that he challenged Winstone again in his first opportunity to fight for a recognised world title belt.

But Legra FLOORED him twice in the first round.

The fight was soon stopped with Winstone’s left eye too swollen to continue.

The champ hung up his gloves with 129-11 record and fans have rushed to offer their sincere condolences to his loved ones.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman passed his best wishes to the family and friends of Legra, saying “Rest in Peace, Champion.”