Leo Cruz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leo Cruz |
|
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Leonardo Cruz |
| Nickname(s) | Leo |
| Rated at |
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| Height | 5 ft 5+1/2 in |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Born | January 17, 1953 Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 51 |
| Wins | 41 |
| Wins by KO | 18 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 2 |
Leonardo Cruz (born January 17, 1953) is a famous boxer from the Dominican Republic. People often call him Leo Cruz. He became a world champion in the Jr. Featherweight division. Leo is also the younger brother of another boxing champion, Carlos Cruz.
Contents
About Leo's Family
Leo Cruz grew up with his brother, Carlos Cruz. Carlos was also a well-known boxer. He became a world Lightweight champion in 1968. Sadly, Carlos passed away in 1970.
Early Life and Training
In the early 1970s, Leo Cruz moved to Puerto Rico. He quickly felt at home there. He even started to identify himself as part Puerto Rican. This move helped him begin his boxing journey.
Becoming a Pro Boxer
Leo started his professional boxing career in Puerto Rico. He won many fights early on. Even though he beat a future two-time world champion, Lupe Pintor, not many people knew about Leo yet.
His big chance came when he fought for the WBC world Jr. Featherweight championship. He faced the tough world champion Wilfredo Gómez. Leo lost that fight by a knockout in the 13th round. But even in defeat, people in the boxing world started to notice his talent.
Leo kept fighting and winning. He earned another shot at a world title. This time, it was for the WBA world championship. He traveled to Buenos Aires to fight the champion, Sergio Victor Palma. Leo lost this first match by a decision after 15 rounds.
Winning the World Title
But Leo Cruz didn't give up! He got a rematch against Sergio Victor Palma on June 12, 1982. This time, in Miami, Leo won the fight by a decision. After 15 rounds, he became the new world champion!
Defending His Title
As a world champion, Leo had to defend his title.
- In his first defense, he knocked out Benito Badilla from Chile in eight rounds. This fight happened at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.
- When Wilfredo Gómez left his WBC title, many fans saw Leo as the top champion.
- Next, Leo defeated Soon-Hyun Chung from South Korea. He won by decision after 15 rounds, even knocking Chung down in the eighth round. This fight was also in San Juan.
- In August 1983, Leo defended his title in his home country. He fought Cleo Garcia from Nicaragua in Santo Domingo. Leo won the fight by decision, keeping his title.
Losing the Title
In February 1984, Leo went to Milan to defend his crown against Loris Stecca from Italy. In the 12th round, Leo was stopped, and he lost his WBA world junior featherweight title.
Later Career
Leo Cruz tried to make a comeback in 1985. He won one fight, but then he decided to retire from boxing for good.
