José Legrá facts for kids
Quick facts for kids José Legrá |
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José Legrá c. 1973
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| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Pocket Cassius Clay |
| Rated at | Featherweight |
| Height | 170 cm |
| Reach | 160 cm |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Born | 19 April 1943 Baracoa, Cuba |
| Died | 14 July 2026 (aged 83) |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 144 |
| Wins | 129 |
| Wins by KO | 49 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 4 |
José Adolfo Legrá Utría (born on April 19, 1943, and passed away on July 14, 2026) was a famous professional featherweight boxer. He was known for his speed and skill in the ring. José Legrá proudly became a WBC World Featherweight Champion not just once, but twice!
Contents
José Legrá: A Boxing Star
José Legrá began his exciting professional boxing journey in June 1960 in his home country of Cuba. He won his very first fight, showing early promise. After competing in 34 matches across Mexico and Cuba, José decided to move to Spain in 1963.
Early Career and Moving to Spain
His first fight in Spain was in October 1963, where he won by knockout. This victory marked the start of an incredible winning streak. Between 1963 and 1967, José Legrá won over sixty fights! He only had one defeat during this time, a points loss to Howard Winstone in England.
Becoming a European Champion
José earned his first major title belt in December 1967. He won the vacant European Featherweight title with a powerful knockout in the third round. This was a big step in his career, showing he was one of the best boxers in Europe.
Winning the World Title
José's biggest opportunity came in July 1968. He challenged Howard Winstone again, this time for the prestigious WBC Featherweight title. José showed his strength by knocking Winstone down twice in the first round. The fight was stopped because of Winstone's eye injury, making José Legrá the new WBC World Featherweight Champion! He later lost this title in January 1969 to Johnny Famechon in London.
More Fights and a Second World Title
After losing his world title, José Legrá continued to fight with determination. He won two matches before facing another tough opponent, Vicente Saldivar. José then regained the European Featherweight title in 1970 and successfully defended it five times, proving his consistent skill.
In December 1972, José Legrá had another chance to become a world champion. He fought Clemente Sanchez for the vacant WBC Featherweight title. José won the fight in the tenth round, making him a two-time world champion! However, he lost this title in his very next fight to Éder Jofre. José Legrá competed in a few more matches before retiring from professional boxing.
Later Life and Legacy
José Legrá lived a long and eventful life. In April 2020, at 77 years old, he became ill with COVID-19. José Legrá passed away on July 14, 2026, at the age of 83. He is remembered as a remarkable boxer who achieved great success in the featherweight division.
Boxing Achievements
José Legrá had an impressive career with many victories. Here's a quick look at his professional boxing record:
| 144 fights | 129 wins | 11 losses |
| By knockout | 49 | 3 |
| By decision | 80 | 8 |
| Draws | 4 | |
See also
In Spanish: José Legrá para niños
- Lineal championship
- List of WBC world champions
