By Gabriel F. Cordero
Sad to report the sudden passing of former cruiserweight champion Carlos “Sugar” de León, who died early Wednesday morning of a suspected heart attack at his residence in Buffalo, New York. He was 60 years of age.
De Leon was a four-time WBC world champion who had 16 world tltle fights and compiled a record of 53-8-1, 33 KOs in a terrific career that spanned 21 years. He faced the likes of Evander Holyfield, Leon Spinks, Johnny Nelson, Alvaro Yaqui Lopez, Corrie Sanders, Brian Nielsen, Marvin Camel and more.
I remember watching him fight on network TV so many times back in the day (early 80’s) What a slick master boxer he was. R.I.P Champ
watched many of his bouts RIP
Grew up watching him, humble fighter. RIP and may God comfort his family and loved ones…
Sad to here. I( remember when he lost the Cruiserweight title to that gentleman from Las Vegas, but in the rematch in Las Vegas, put him down twice and practically won every round. that same fighter went briefly up to Heavyweight and defeated Trevor Berwick. He was only the second Cruiser weight champ, beating Marvin Camel, and never really got the respect. I am older than he was, by some two to three years, and so it really gets me when these people die at around my age.
Nicolas, That fighter was S.T Gordon I remember the fight was on CBS I believe. Man where did all the years go….
I saw that fight too. No way can I recall the network, but it was a Saturday afternoon. Wide World of Sports perhaps?
He was one of the original Cruisers, I think he started his career at heavy, but dropped to Cruiserweight when the division was formed. I have no idea what his life was like at his time of death, but generally speaking, life is not kind to retired fighters. Many still hang around the gym and try their hand as trainers and talk about having comeback fights in their late 50’s and 60’s. 60 is too young to die. He had a son that was making a nice run as a super middleweight about 10 years ago- Carlos Deleon JR. Haven’t heard his name mentioned since. RIP Champ!
Rest in peace champ…
RIP Champ. Dude was a Cruiserweight pioneer
Sorry to read this. Carlos was a fine, smart fighter and a great boxer with a lot of poise. He was always so disciplined, respectful, and always came prepared. I remember watching his fights with Leon Spinks, Marvin Camel, and Holyfield. Sad when any of these great men from the sport of Boxing die so young.
Deleon is an all time fave and great. Won title 4x still omg thing hasn’t been touched since that’s History