Jose Santa Cruz, Devoted Father and Guiding Force Behind Boxing Champion Leo Santa Cruz, Dies After Long Illness at 68

Spread the News

Jose Santa Cruz, Devoted Father and Guiding Force Behind Boxing Champion Leo Santa Cruz, Dies After Long Illness at 68

On June 2, 2025, the world of boxing lost one of its most humble and cherished figures. Jose Santa Cruz, revered by many as the heart behind the rise of his son, four-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged and courageous battle with illness.

Though he never sought the spotlight, Jose’s influence reached far beyond the gym. He was the quiet architect of his son’s championship career, a devoted father, and a symbol of perseverance whose story resonated with anyone who has ever fought to uplift their family.

His death marks not just the loss of a trainer—but the loss of a father figure to a generation of boxers who saw in him the very soul of the sport.


From Humble Beginnings to a Life Devoted to Family

Born in Mexico in 1956, Jose Santa Cruz grew up in modest circumstances, but his life would be defined not by what he lacked, but by what he gave. He was a man of faith, resilience, and an unshakable work ethic. In search of a better future for his family, he immigrated to the United States and made his home in Southern California—a place that would become the foundation for both his family’s life and their journey in boxing.

Boxing, for Jose, wasn’t just a sport. It was a discipline, a structure, a way to keep his sons off the streets and close to something meaningful. He began training his children in the basics of the sport from a young age, transforming their backyard and local gyms into classrooms of hard-earned wisdom.

What began as a father guiding his children soon became something far greater. Jose’s natural instincts as a coach, his understanding of footwork, defense, and timing, and—above all—his emotional intelligence set him apart. He didn’t just train fighters. He built men.


Building a Champion: Leo Santa Cruz and the Journey to Greatness

Among Jose’s children, Leo Santa Cruz emerged as a prodigy—but more importantly, he emerged as a reflection of his father’s values. Hard-working, respectful, and endlessly determined, Leo quickly rose through the amateur ranks with his father by his side at every turn.

Jose was not just Leo’s trainer; he was his constant. Whether in training camps, locker rooms, or under the glaring lights of championship bouts, Jose stood calmly in the corner—focused, steady, and devoted.

Together, they made history. Under his father’s guidance, Leo captured world titles in four different weight classes, facing and defeating elite opponents in some of the sport’s most thrilling battles. From grueling title fights to emotional comebacks, Jose’s voice was always present—in the gym, in the ring, and in his son’s heart.

“He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” Leo once said. “My dad wasn’t just my coach—he was my hero.”


Strength in Sickness: The Quiet Fight Behind the Scenes

Jose’s fight was not only in the ring. In recent years, he battled a severe illness, reportedly cancer, with remarkable composure. Even during the toughest stages of treatment, he continued to support his son’s training, often attending fights despite the toll it took on his body.

During Leo’s high-profile bout against Gervonta Davis in 2020, Jose sat ringside after undergoing extensive treatment, a moment that moved fans and commentators alike. His presence wasn’t just symbolic—it was a demonstration of willpower and a father’s love that no illness could erode.

While many people would have retreated into rest and privacy, Jose remained active, dedicated, and present. He lived each day with intention, putting the needs of his family above his own. For those who saw him in those final years, his courage was as powerful as any champion’s.


A Father to Many: Jose’s Broader Impact on Boxing

Though known publicly as Leo’s father and trainer, those close to the sport knew that Jose Santa Cruz’s reach extended far beyond his family. Young fighters from Southern California and Mexico often spoke of his willingness to give advice, lend encouragement, or offer training without ever asking for recognition or repayment.

In an industry known for egos and self-promotion, Jose stood out for his humility. He never sought the spotlight. He sought progress—for his sons, for the kids at the gym, for anyone willing to put in the work.

“Jose was one of those rare people in boxing who cared more about the person than the performance,” said veteran trainer Ricardo Herrera. “He wasn’t interested in building brands—he was interested in building character.”

Fighters who spent even a short time under his mentorship often spoke of how deeply he listened, how intently he watched, and how patiently he corrected. He never yelled. He simply taught—with dignity, care, and quiet mastery.


A Family Steeped in the Sport—and Love

The Santa Cruz family became synonymous with boxing. Jose trained not just Leo but his other sons, including Antonio and Jose Jr., who also pursued boxing careers. Under their father’s direction, the Santa Cruz name came to represent hard work, humility, and clean fighting.

Despite their growing success, the family never strayed from their roots. They remained close-knit, grounded, and loyal—hallmarks of the values Jose instilled.

He balanced discipline with warmth. He pushed his children to their limits in the gym, then held them close when life outside the ring became difficult. Through financial hardship, career disappointments, and personal losses, he remained their compass.


Tributes from the Boxing World and Beyond

News of Jose Santa Cruz’s death sent ripples through the boxing community and beyond. Promoters, fighters, journalists, and fans alike paid tribute to the man who stood so quietly behind one of the sport’s most beloved champions.

Boxing Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins wrote: “Jose Santa Cruz was a real one. A family man. A mentor. A teacher. He made his mark by building a fighter, yes—but more importantly, by building a legacy of love.”

Leo’s longtime rival and friend, Abner Mares, shared: “I respected Leo. But I loved his dad. He was always kind, always respectful. He didn’t just raise a fighter—he raised a man.”

Thousands of fans flooded social media with messages of support, many sharing personal stories of having met Jose after fights or during events and being struck by his warmth and sincerity.


A Legacy That Will Endure

Jose Santa Cruz didn’t need fame to be great. He didn’t need headlines, belts, or awards. His greatness was measured in the strength of his family, the discipline of his sons, and the enduring respect of a community that saw in him something rare: authenticity.

His voice will no longer echo from the corner. His gentle hands will no longer wrap a fighter’s gloves. But his teachings—about balance, about heart, about faith—will live on in every Santa Cruz punch, every lesson passed on, and every fighter who remembers what it meant to be trained by a man like Jose.

He taught that true strength wasn’t loud. It was quiet. It showed up every day. It endured.


Memorial Plans and Final Farewell

The Santa Cruz family has asked for privacy during this time of mourning but has announced that a public memorial celebration will be held in Los Angeles later this month to honor Jose’s life and contributions to boxing. Friends, fighters, and members of the boxing community are invited to attend and share stories of the man who shaped so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations to youth boxing organizations in low-income communities—continuing Jose’s legacy of mentorship and opportunity.

As the boxing world bows its head in reverence, one truth remains: Jose Santa Cruz will never be forgotten.

He was a father first, a teacher always, and a legend forever.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *