RIP former bantamweight champ José Becerra

[Like a Boss]

EX-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION JOSE BECERRA DIES AT 80

The WBC reports that former bantamweight world champion, José Becerra, has died at his home in Guadalajara, Mexico at the age of 80.

Becerra was discovered as a youngster by the legendary boxing manager Pancho Rosales. He came to prominence in 1959 with a KO over former champion Mario D’Argata. He went on to win the world bantamweight championship later that year by stopping Alfonse Halmi, and successfully defending his crown twice, including a rematch win over Halimi. In 1960, Becerra got knocked out by a club fighter, Eloy Sanchez, and retired. He came back two years later to win a six round exhibition bout against Alberto Martinez in 1962. It was a charity match for club fighter Rudy Coronado, who’d been seriously injured in a fight. Jose donated every penny of his purse to help Rudy and his family.

Becerra closed the books on his career with a record of 68-4-3. Boxingtalk joins the WBC in sending its condolences to the family and friends of former world champion Jose Becerra.

[elmersalsa]

R.I.P., champ. You was an undefeated champion in the ring and in life.