Pedro Montañez

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pedro Montañez, (April 24, 1914-June 26, 1996), was a boxer from Cayey, Puerto Rico. Also known as El Torito De Cayey (The Little Bull of Cayey), he has been considered by many to be one of the best boxers in history never to win a world title.

Pedro Montañez with a fan in 1985
Pedro Montañez with a fan in 1985

Montañez was recognized by Ring Magazine as one of history's most prolific knockout winners with 56 knockout wins, and one of the Latinos with the most knockout wins. He also ranks as number 14 in boxing history, also recognized by Ring Magazine, among boxers with most wins in a row, totalling 88 wins in a row.

Montañez went for the world title three times, losing to Henry Armstrong and Lou Ambers on points and then to Armstrong in a rematch by a knockout in round 9. Observers say he deserved the decision against Ambers.

Montañez reached great popularity in Puerto Rico, New York and Latin America, and his collection of photos with celebrities is considered one of the largest in Puerto Rico. He had well over 250 pictures with celebrities like Celia Cruz, Joe Louis, Jersey Joe Walcott, Cantinflas and some former Puerto Rico Governors and other famous people displayed on his house's walls.

Montañez has a stadium named after him, the Pedro Montañez Municipal Stadium in Cayey.

Montañez was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame on December of 2006.

[edit] External links

[edit] See also