The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of light heavyweight champion Jose Torres. He passed away January 19, 2009 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was 72.. Born May 3, 1936 in Playa Ponce, Puerto Rico, Torres won a silver medal at the 1956 Olympic Games. He turned pro in 1958 and under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Cus D'Amato, he won the world light heavyweight title from Willie Pastrano in 1965. During his career he posted a 41-3-1 (29 KOs) record that includes wins over Don Fullmer, Wilbert McClure, Tom McNeeley, Wayne Thornton, Eddie Cotton and Hall of Famer Carl (Bobo) Olson. He stayed active in boxing as chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission (1983-88) and as president of the World Boxing Organization (1993-95). An accomplished author, he penned boxing books Sting Like a Bee about Muhammad Ali and Fire and Fear about Mike Tyson

“Jose Torres was one of boxing's finest ambassadors,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “'He was an Olympian, a world champion, author, commissioner and a true gentleman. The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing.”

An email from Hall of Fame director Ed Brophy announced the passing this afternoon:

In 1997, Torres was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame

 


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