Iconic world champion boxer Jose Legra dies as shifting tributes paid to ‘The Puma’

An iconic boxer who twice held the WBC world featherweight title has sadly passed away with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman leading the tributes

Iconic Spanish boxer Jose Legra, who twice held the WBC world featherweight title, has sadly died aged 83.

Legra, who was born in Cuba but billed from Spain, twice held the legendary title – first in 1968 and again in 1972. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman passed his best wishes to the family and friends of Legra, saying “Rest in Peace, Champion.”

Speaking to The Ring Magazine, he added: “The passing of Jose Legra closes one of the greatest chapters in the history of boxing.

“Legra left Cuba with legends of the ring looking for opportunities in other countries and while Jose “Mantequilla” Nápoles, Ultiminio Ramos and Kid Gavilan campaigned in Mexico, Legra found home in Spain. The Cuban legend chapter is now closed for eternity. May he rest in peace.”

Born in Cuba, Legra turned professional as a 17-year-old but had to leave his homeland when Fidel Castro banned professional boxing in 1962.

He fought initially in Mexico before moving to Spain, where he would live the rest of his life. He claimed his first title in 1967 – claiming the vacant European Featherweight title.

The following year, he claimed the world title when he headed to Wales and stopped local hero Howard Winstone.

However, he dropped the belt the following year in his first defense in controversial fashion against Johnny Famechon over 15 rounds in January 1969.

This is a breaking sports story and is being constantly updated with the latest news, pictures and videos. Please refresh the page regularly.

You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest sports stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our sports newsletter.

Get all the very best sports news, pictures, opinion and video by following Daily Star every time you see our name.

Follow Daily Star on Google News – CLICK HERE and click the star

Follow Daily Star on Apple News – CLICK HERE available on Apple devices

Follow Daily Star on Flipboard – CLICK HERE and click follow

You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @‌DailyStar_Sport and follow us @‌dailystar for all the latest updates.

Keep up-to-date with your must-see sports stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at Daily Star Football | London