JUAN LAPORTE

Juan LaPorte was born November 24, 1959, in Guyama, Puerto Rico. He was always interested in sports and, after moving to New York, began boxing at the age of 15. He won the sub novice Golden Gloves tournament the following year in the 112 lbs. division. He had a very successful amateur career, winning several titles and gaining valuable experience. In 1977, after just a few pro fights, he was picked as Ring Magazine’s “Prospect of the Month.”

On December 13, 1980, he lost a 15 round decision to the great Mexican World Champion, Salvador Sanchez. The following year LaPorte won the USBA title with a second round K.O. of Rocky Lockridge. In 1982, he won the WBC world title by 10th round stoppage of Mario Miranda. After a couple of successful defenses he lost the title to Wilfredo Gomez on a 12 round decision.

If you want to know who the best featherweights and Jr. lightweights in the world were during Juan LaPorte’s time, just look at his record. He fought them all, Eusebio Pedroza, Ruben Castillo, Johnny De La Rosa, Barry McGuigan, Azumah Nelson, and Julio Cesar Chavez, just to name a few. Juan currently lives in New York with his five sons and two daughters. One son, Anthony, won the New York Kid Gloves tournament in 1998. Anthony was 14 years old and 89 lbs. Juan is active in a program called Education Through Boxing. He gets kids to train after school, teaches them everything about the boxing business but insists that their school grades are maintained. It is great for building self esteem and confidence.

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