Jose Santa Cruz Passes

It is with great sadness to report the passing of Jose Santa Cruz, father/trainer of former world champions Leo Santa Cruz and Jose Armando Santa Cruz. Don Jose passed away last night with his family by his side. 

Born 1958 in Huetamo, Michoacan, Mexico. Don Jose came to the United States to pursue a better opportunity for his family. Pursuing the American dream, Don Jose worked various trades in Southern California. Introducing boxing to his four boys Antonio, Roberto, Jose Armando, and Leo, the boys grew a passion for the sport and became a way of life for the Santa Cruz's.

Making his two of his son's world champions, Jose Armando Santa Cruz won the WBC lightweight title in 2006. Six years later, his youngest son Leo Santa Cruz won the IBF bantamweight world champion defeating Vusi Malinga and would go on to become a four division world champion. Antonio and Roberto Santa Cruz went on to have professional careers. 

There is no question that the Santa Cruz brothers made dad proud. 

Rest in Peace. Descanse en Paz