Cuban boxer José Legrá, two-time featherweight world champion, dies

July 15, 2026

Cuban boxer José Legrá, nicknamed "The Puma of Baracoa," died this Wednesday in Madrid, the Royal Spanish Boxing Federation confirmed. The fighter, born in Baracoa, Cuba, in 1943, became one of the great figures of Spanish boxing's golden era after twice becoming featherweight world champion, in 1968 and 1972.

Federation president Felipe Martínez mourned the passing of the historic athlete and highlighted his invaluable contribution to the sport throughout his career. Legrá received the silver medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit in 2003 in recognition of his distinguished international career.

Legrá made his amateur debut in Cuba in 1958 and, after professional boxing was banned on the island, emigrated to Spain in 1963, where he obtained Spanish citizenship in 1966. He won the European featherweight title in 1967 and was crowned world champion for the first time in 1968 by defeating Welshman Howard Winstone in Porthcawl, Wales. He regained the world crown in 1972 after beating Mexican Clemente Sánchez in Monterrey, and collected seven European titles over the course of his career.

Also known as "the little Cassius Clay" for his charismatic style in the ring, Legrá retired from boxing in 1973 with a record of 150 fights: 135 wins, 11 losses and 4 draws. In his later years he lived in a geriatric care facility in Madrid, where those close to him recalled his warm character and constant smile to the end.

(With information from Cubadebate and El Español)