Leo Cruz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leo Cruz |
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|---|---|
| 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 on January 17, 1953, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, is a famous boxer known as Leo Cruz. He became a world champion in the Jr. Featherweight division. Leo is the younger brother of Carlos Cruz, who was also a world champion in boxing.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Leo Cruz grew up in the Dominican Republic. His older brother, Carlos Cruz, was a well-known boxer who won the world Lightweight title in 1968. Sadly, Carlos passed away in a plane crash on February 15, 1970. This accident took the lives of all 102 people on board.
In the early 1970s, Leo moved to Puerto Rico. He quickly started to feel connected to Puerto Rican culture.
Leo Cruz's Boxing Career
Leo Cruz began his professional boxing journey in Puerto Rico. He started with many wins, showing great promise.
First World Title Chances
Even after beating future two-time world champion Lupe Pintor, Leo Cruz was not widely known. However, he got a chance to fight for the WBC world Jr. Featherweight championship. He faced the tough world champion Wilfredo Gómez. Cruz lost the fight by a knockout in the 13th round. Despite the loss, his performance made him more recognized in the boxing world.
Cruz continued to fight and win. He earned a second chance at a world title, this time for the WBA world championship. He traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to challenge champion Sergio Victor Palma. Cruz lost this fight by a decision after 15 rounds.
Becoming a World Champion
Leo Cruz did not give up. He had a rematch with Sergio Victor Palma on June 12, 1982, in Miami. In this fight, Cruz won by a decision after 15 rounds, finally becoming a world champion!
Defending His Title
As a world champion, Leo Cruz successfully defended his title several times.
- In his first defense, he knocked out Benito Badilla of Chile in eight rounds. This fight took place at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.
- When Wilfredo Gómez left his WBC title vacant, many fans saw Cruz as the top champion in his division.
- He then defeated South Korean challenger Soon-Hyun Chung by decision in 15 rounds, also in San Juan. Cruz even knocked Chung down in the eighth round.
- In August 1983, Cruz defended his title in his home country, the Dominican Republic. He faced Nicaraguan challenger Cleo Garcia in Santo Domingo. Cruz kept his title by winning a decision.
Losing the Championship
In February 1984, Leo Cruz traveled to Milan for another title defense. He fought against Italian boxer Loris Stecca. Cruz was stopped in the 12th round, losing his WBA world junior featherweight title.
Later Career
Leo Cruz tried to make a comeback in 1985, winning one fight. However, he retired from boxing for good after losing another fight in 1989.
