Raymundo Torres (boxer)

Raymundo "Battling" Torres (17 February 1941 - 11 November 1972)[1] was a Mexican junior lightweight who fought from 1957 to 1967.[2][3] Torres was a puncher, but proved to have difficulty taking punches himself. Thus, he was knocked out in many of his more important bouts, including his two attempts to capture a world title.

Torres was born in Cerritos, San Luis Potosí, but was known as the "Reynosa Rattlesnake" because he was raised in the bordertown of Reynosa, Tamaulipas.[1] He first challenged for the world junior welterweight title when he faced champion Carlos Ortiz in February 1960. Ortiz prevailed in the hard fought contest when he scored a knock out in the tenth round.[4] Prior to that loss, Torres had been undefeated in 31 contests.[5]

Torres' next crack at the title came when he challenged for the vacated WBA light welterweight crown in 1963. Although favored to win, he was knocked out in the first round by Roberto Cruz of the Philippines.[6] Cruz lost the title a mere three months later when he was defeated by Eddie Perkins and never contended for the title again.[7]

Torres retired with a record of 56 wins (46 by KO) and 9 losses. He was selected for the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

References
  1. Kemp, Tomás (5 December 2013). "Raymundo 'Battling' Torres, ex - noqueador y taquillero" (in Spanish). El Sol de San Luis. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  2. Boxing, Sports Illustrated (September 28, 1959) ("Raymundo Torres, 18-year-old Mexican lightweight known as Battling Torres, knocked Frankie Ryff to the canvas in the Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium at the beginning of the first round, seconds later dropped him in the opposite corner with a right, then put him away for the count with a left. Torres, undefeated in 26 fights, scored his 20th knockout, hopes to be knocking on Champion Joe Brown's jaw within six months.")
  3. Boxing, Sports Illustrated (October 26, 1959) ("It was the 27th victory for 18-year-old Torres.")
  4. Two Champions Retain Their Title Last Night, Nevada Daily Mail (February 6, 1960)
  5. Boxing Boredom Is Knocked Cold, Sports Illustrated (February 15, 1960)
  6. Moore Critically Ill After Fight, The Age (March 23, 1963)
  7. "Reading Eagle - June 16, 1963, Perkins Defeats Cruz on Decision To Regain Title". Google News. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
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