Jose Luis Torres – born 3rd of May 1936 in the beach of Ponce, Puerto Rico; died on the 19th of January 2009. He was more commonly known as “Chegui”.
Jose “Chegui” Torres was a former light heavyweight world champion. He started his professional career in 1958 and debuted with a first round knockout of his opponent, George Hamilton in New York. This win was followed by 12 consecutive other wins.
| Born | 3 May 1936 |
| Nationality |
Puerto Rico
|
| Nickname | Chegui |
At 18, he joined the U.S. army where he learned how to box. He represented the country while serving the army simultaneously at the 1956 Olympic Games. He won a silver medal in the junior middleweight division.
In 1961, rematch with George Hamilton won him with a four round knockout. In 1964, he won the Middleweight title knocking out Carl Olson inn the first round. In 1965, he won the light heavyweight title by knocking out International Boxing Hall of Famer Willie Pastrano at the Madison Square Garden.
Torres retired after 1969 and spent his time as a representative of the Puerto Rican community in New York. He met with various political leaders, gave lectures, and became the New York State Athletic Commission’s commissioner from the year 1984 up to 1988. He was also asked to sing the United States national anthem before the lightweight championship match between Jimmy Paul and Irleis Perez held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 1987, he was able to release a book about Tyson.
Torres became the president of WBO from 1990 to 1995. He also belongs to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Additionally, he regularly contributed a column for the El Diario La Prensa which is a Spanish Newspaper in New York City.
