On This Day, Feb 21, 1987: De León Defends Cruiserweight Title
On This day in 1987, Carlos “Sugar” De León successfully defended his WBC cruiserweight title with a stunning fifth-round knockout of Italy’s Angelo Rottoli. This thrilling victory, which took place in Bergamo, Italy, highlighted De León’s unmatched skill and power. On This Day, Feb 21, 1987: De León Defends Cruiserweight Title and marked a pivotal moment in De León’s career, further cementing his place among the all-time greats of the cruiserweight division.
A Historic Legacy
Carlos De León made boxing history when he became the first-ever cruiserweight champion to win the world title twice. Hailing from Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, he first seized the title in 1980 after defeating Marvin Camel in a 15-round battle, and he continued to rewrite the record books, regaining the title not once, but twice in later years. His second win over Camel, this time by knockout in the eighth round, solidified his reputation as a force in the ring.
Notably, De León became part of Puerto Rican boxing history alongside his countryman Ossie Ocasio, both of them holding world titles in the same weight division. Their achievement echoed the accomplishments of boxing greats Alfredo Escalera and Samuel Serrano from the 1970s.
Rottoli’s Challenge and De León’s Victory
On that fateful February night in Italy, De León faced Rottoli in a bout that would test his mettle. Rottoli, no slouch himself with an impressive record, pushed De León to the limit but was ultimately overwhelmed. In the fifth round, De León’s power proved too much, knocking Rottoli out and defending his cruiserweight title once more.
After Boxing: A Troubled but Determined Spirit
De León’s post-boxing life wasn’t without its struggles. He faced legal issues in the 1990s, including a confrontation with authorities while carrying a rifle. However, his dedication to the sport remained clear, especially as he worked to nurture the career of his son, Carlos de León Jr.
Sadly, De León passed away on January 1, 2020, due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 60. His legacy, however, remains timeless.
