Antonio Ayala Jr.
Born(1963-02-13)February 13, 1963
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
DiedMay 12, 2015(2015-05-12) (aged 52)
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Other namesEl Torito
Statistics
Weight(s)Middleweight
Height5 ft 7.5 in (171 cm)
Reach68 in (173 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights33
Wins31
Wins by KO27
Losses2

Antonio Ayala Jr. (February 13, 1963 – May 12, 2015) was an American professional boxer who competed in the light middleweight division. He began his professional career in 1980, and by 1982 he had compiled a record of 22 wins and no losses, with 19 knockouts. Ayala was born to a boxing family, and had three brothers who were boxers, Mike Ayala, Paulie Ayala and Sammy Ayala. Tony Ayala is considered one of the most promising boxing wasted talents by boxing writers and historians, as his career cut short after he was imprisoned in 1983, at the age of 19. His first shot at the world title never happened due to his personal troubles and later conviction, while his second shot proved unsuccessful, as he was 40 years old and out-of-shape by that time.

Biography

Early life

Ayala was born in San Antonio, Texas. Tony is the brother of former boxers Mike Ayala and Sammy Ayala and the son of trainer Tony Ayala, Sr.[1]

Amateur career

Many have said Ayala was a boxing prodigy, he first fought at the age of five, at the age of six he avenged his first defeat. At the age of eight, he was rumored to suffer his last loss. At fourteen, he was battering a world champion around the ring. At 15, he knocked out Sugar Ray Leonard's older brother, Roger Leonard.[2] At that point, his achievements was a bit overshadowed by his older brother Mike, who turned pro in 1975, and by the early 1980 was the number one ranked super bantamweight fighter in the world, so Tony was dubbed simply the "other fighting Ayala."[3]

Highlights

1st place, gold medalist(s) National Golden Gloves (165 lbs), Indianapolis, Indiana, March 1979:

  • 1/2: Defeated Vaughn Hooks PTS
  • Finals: Defeated Lamont Kirkland PTS

1st place, gold medalist(s) National Sports Festival (165 lbs), Colorado Springs, Colorado, July 1979:

  • Finals: Defeated Alex Ramon PTS

Ayala won National Junior Olympic titles in 1977 and 1978 as well as a National Golden Gloves championship in 1979, compiling an amateur record of 140–8 with sixty knockouts. He was one of Olympic hopefuls for the 1980 Summer Olympics,[4] but turned pro instead of qualifying at the National Olympic Trials in Atlanta, Georgia (as Ayala withdrew, Charles Carter qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team in the middleweight class, but the U.S. participation was canceled soon thereafter due to the boycott).

Professional career

Ayala turned professional in June 1980 with a one-round knockout of Zip Castillo and proceeded to score three other first round knock outs in a row. He was co-managed by the Duva family, namely by Lou Duva, Dan Duva, and Kathy Duva. By December 1981 Ayala, the 18-year-old, was rated No. 3 by the World Boxing Association.[5]

The young boxer was known as a savage brawler who was often considered a "dirty" fighter; for example, on one occasion, he spit on his opponent after knocking him to the ground. He also admitted to using heroin before a fight on three occasions (his brother Mike Ayala also made allegations of using drugs before his world title fight against Danny Lopez). In the summer of 1981, teenager Ayala was featured in a cover story of Sports Illustrated as a rising star in boxing. Veteran boxing writer Michael Katz claimed he was the best young fighter he had ever seen; Muhammad Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee said he thought Ayala could have been one of boxing's greatest fighters. On September 16, 1981, Ayala fought on the undercard of the legendary fight between Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns.

Personal troubles

By summer 1982 Ayala split with and got back with his 18-year-old wife Lisa, they were living in New Jersey, not far from the Duvas. Twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, he attended meetings of the local Alcoholics Anonymous. On Wednesdays, he drove to New York to attend meetings at the Freedom Institute. On November 19, 1982, Ayala was scheduled to meet Roberto Durán, the former lightweight and welterweight champion, in a 12-round junior middleweight bout co-promoted by Dan Duva and Don King, scheduled to be shown in prime time by NBC.[6][7] During August-September 1982 he took a monthly course in a clinic, Care Unit Hospital in Orange, California, as part of a plea deal for one of his earlier attacks. Though he was allowed to leave for training purposes. The rehabilitation program kept him from having a $750,000 payday against Roberto Duran. When the Duran fight didn't happen, Ayala settled for about $150,000 to fight Argentinian Carlos Herrera. 'It doesn't bother me,' he said. 'I'm looking at it as a step closer to the world title. Davey Moore is going to have to meet me after this fight.'[8]

Rape conviction

After defeating Carlos Herrera, November 20, 1982, he was scheduled to fight champion Davey Moore. Ayala was to have one last "tune up" bout on January 26, 1983 when he was scheduled to fight journeyman Leslie "Sweet Lemonade" Gardner at the Ice World Arena in Totowa, New Jersey.[9] By December 1982, Ayala was already a second-ranked junior middleweight in the world.[8]

The fight was not to be. On January 1, 1983, Ayala burglarized the home of his neighbor, a young schoolteacher, and brutally sexually assaulted her.[10] Although he was only 19 years old, Ayala had already been convicted twice of assaults against women. One of these attacks took place in the restroom of a drive-in theatre and left the victim with a broken back. He had been given probation for these offenses.[11] Under a repeat offender's law, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison. The prosecutor at trial argued the young boxer should serve the full term because he was a danger to the community.[12]

Ayala Jr served his sentence term at Rahway State Prison and Trenton State Prison and released in 1999.

Release in 1999

Ayala was paroled from prison in 1999 and resumed his boxing career,[13] winning six high-profile fights, all by knockout. Ayala was still popular in his hometown, however women's rights organizations often protested at his fights. An eliminator against hard hitting ex-champ Yori Boy Campas brought an end to his unlikely comeback, a hand injury caused Ayala to quit on his stool after 8 rounds. His troubles with the law continued. In 2000, he was shot in the shoulder by a young woman after breaking into her home. At Ayala's trial the prosecution pointed out this was almost an exact replay of Ayala's 1983 offense. He received probation and a brief jail term for this offense. In 2003, Ayala was charged with having sex with a thirteen-year-old girl, but the charges were dismissed when the girl said she lied about it.

Reincarceration in 2004

In 2004, Ayala was sentenced to ten years in prison for violation of probation after he was pulled over in his vehicle for speeding, and was also charged with driving without a license, heroin possession and possession of pornography in his vehicle. Tony Jr. was housed at the private Sanders Estes Unit for lower-level offenders in Venus, Southeast of Fort Worth, where he worked as a janitor. He was also housed at the Robertson unit in Abilene Texas a maximum security prison.

Release in 2014 and father's funeral

Ayala was released on April 25, 2014. He did not grant any interviews or make any appearances or public statements during his second incarceration.

His father, Tony Ayala Sr., who still owned and operated the Zarzamora Street Gym in San Antonio, died on April 10, 2014. Tony was granted special permission to attend his father's funeral on April 16, 2014, greeting family, friends, and fans, his first public appearance in over a decade. He then returned to custody to serve the remaining nine days of his sentence. [14] [15]

El Torito at Zarzamora Street Gym

Tony Ayala Jr. assisted his brothers, Mike Ayala and Sammy Ayala, in the running of the Zarzamora Street Gym in San Antonio, following his father's death.[16]

Death

Ayala died on May 12, 2015, age 52, from an apparent overdose at Zarzamora Street Gym, San Antonio, Texas. It has been reported in the media that drug paraphernalia was found near his body.[17]

Professional boxing record

33 fights 31 wins 2 losses
By knockout 27 2
By decision 4 0
No. Result Record Opponent Opp
record		 Type Round, time Date Location Notes
33Loss31–2United States Anthony Bonsante22–3–3TKO11 (12), 1:3225 Apr 2003United States Thunderbird Wild West Casino, Norman, Oklahoma, USAfor vacant IBA Super Middleweight Title
32Win31–1United States Lee Fortune25–20–2KO5 (10), 2:106 Sep 2002United States Roy Wilkins Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
31Win30–1Mexico Urbano Gurrola18–8–0KO2 (10), 2:523 May 2002United States Randy's Ballroom, San Antonio, Texas, USA
30Win29–1United States Manuel Lopez22–2–0TKO2 (10), 1:109 Nov 2001United States Sunset Station, San Antonio, Texas, USA
29Win28–1Puerto Rico Santos Cardona39–9–0UD10 (10)31 Jul 2001United States Sunset Station, San Antonio, Texas, USA96–92, 98–90, 95–93
28Loss27–1Mexico Luis Ramon Campas74–4–0RTD8 (10)28 Jul 2000United States Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, USAAyala not out for 9th
27Win27–0United States Gerald Coleman16–14–0KO2 (10), 1:5019 May 2000United States Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
26Win26–0Nicaragua Jorge Luis Vado16–7–1KO4 (10), 0:5014 Apr 2000United States Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, USA
25Win25–0United States Tony Menefee69–6–1TKO8 (10), 1:2111 Dec 1999United States Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, USA
24Win24–0United States Robert Koon18–6–1TKO4 (10), 1:5424 Sep 1999United States Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA
23Win23–0United States Manuel Esparza19–5–1TKO3 (10), 2:5320 Aug 1999United States Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Served a prison term.
Canc.22–0United States Davey Moore11–0–0NR0 (12)29 Jan 1983United States Ballys Park Place Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USAfor WBA World Super Welterweight Title
22Win22–0Argentina Carlos Herrera47–6–0KO3 (10), 2:3420 Nov 1982United States Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USAWBA World Super Welterweight Title eliminator
Took a mandatory rehabilitation course in a clinic.
Canc.21–0Panama Roberto Durán74–4NR0 (12)19 Nov 1982United States USAWBA World Super Welterweight Title eliminator
21Win21–0United States Robbie Epps30–2–0TKO1 (10), 1:321 Aug 1982United States Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, USA
20Win20–0United States Curtis Ramsey21–11–5UD10 (10)26 Jun 1982United States Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
19Win19–0United States Steve Gregory26–2–2TKO3 (10), 2:022 May 1982United States Curtis Hixon Hall, Tampa, Florida, USA
18Win18–0Dominican Republic Dario De Asa8–8–0KO2 (10)10 Apr 1982United States Astro Arena, Houston, Texas, USA
17Win17–0United States Nat King26–18–1KO4 (10), 2:5926 Feb 1982United States Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, USA
16Win16–0United States James Waire17–9–1TKO7 (10)15 Jan 1982United States Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
15Win15–0United States J.J. Cottrell22–10–3TKO8 (10)10 Dec 1981United States Ice World, Totowa, New Jersey, USA
14Win14–0Mexico Jose Baquedano30–7–1KO1 (10), 1:0916 Sep 1981United States Caesars Palace, Outdoor Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
13Win13–0Colombia Nicanor Camacho8–0–1UD10 (10)23 Aug 1981United States Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, Texas, USA100–91, 100–93, 100–93
12Win12–0United States Jerry Cheatham31–5–2TKO6 (10), 1:4425 Jun 1981United States Astrodome, Houston, Texas, USA
11Win11–0United States Pat Hallacy27–6–1KO4 (10)23 May 1981Italy San Remo, Liguria, Italy
10Win10–0United States Agapito Ramirez11–12–1TKO3 (8)25 Apr 1981United States Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
9Win9–0United States Mario Maldonado11–7–1KO3 (8), 2:5728 Mar 1981United States Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York, USA
8Win8–0Mexico Jose Luis Baltazar30–29–2TKO2 (10), 2:5916 Jan 1981United States HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, USA
7Win7–0United States Virgin Islands Earl Liburd11–8–1KO1 (8)20 Dec 1980United States Kingsbridge Armory, Bronx, New York, USA
6Win6–0United States Lester Groves5–4–2KO2 (10), 0:5920 Nov 1980United States Ice World, Totowa, New Jersey, USA
5Win5–0United States Mike Baker35–14–1UD8 (8)1 Nov 1980United States Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, USA80–72, 80–72, 80–72
4Win4–0United States Archie Andrews11–12–0KO1 (10)18 Sep 1980United States Ice World, Totowa, New Jersey, USA
3Win3–0Mexico Manuel Torres3–11–1KO1 (10)28 Jul 1980United States Memorial Civic Center, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA
2Win2–0Mexico German Marquez2–4–0KO1 (8), 2:2515 Jul 1980United States Royal Palace Ballroom, San Antonio, Texas, USA
1Win1–0United States Zip Castillo23–16–1KO1 (8), 2:2517 Jun 1980United States Royal Palace Ballroom, San Antonio, Texas, USA

References

  1. ↑ "Fight dreams born at gym in San Antonio - boxing - ESPN". Sports.espn.go.com. 2007-07-15. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  2. ↑ Katz, Michael (December 21, 1980). "Ayala, Veteran at 17, Wins by a Knockout". The New York Times. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  3. ↑ Garcia, Ignacio (April 1981). "Tony Ayala Jr.: Bulling His Way To The Top". NBR. 5 (3): 51. ISSN 0147-3247.
  4. ↑ Amdur, Neil (August 13, 1979). "U.S. Athletes Look to Moscow: Optimism but Apprehension". The New York Times. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  5. ↑ McGowen, Deane (December 11, 1981). "Ayala Stops Cottrell in 8th". The New York Times. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  6. ↑ "Sports People; Contract Confusion". The New York Times. August 3, 1982. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  7. ↑ Katz, Michael (August 23, 1982). "A Troubled Ayala Will Enter Clinic For Emotional Help". The New York Times. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  8. 1 2 Katz, Michael (October 27, 1982). "Ayala Is Winning His Toughest Bout". The New York Times. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  9. ↑ "An Interview With Tony Ayala Jr - By Thomas Gerbasi". Cyberboxingzone.com. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  10. ↑ "Boxer Tony Ayala Jr., 41, was jailed for violating the... - Chicago Tribune". Articles.chicagotribune.com. 2004-07-09. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  11. ↑ "ESPN.com: BOXING - Ayala faces what could be his last bout". A.espncdn.com. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  12. ↑ "Tony Ayala, Jr. Arrested - ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  13. ↑ "CNN/SI - Boxing - Ayala seeks rematch with life - Monday August 23, 1999 07:42 PM". Cgi.cnnsi.com. 1999-08-23. Archived from the original on March 5, 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  14. ↑ "Tony Ayala Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison!". Eastsideboxing.com. 2004-07-29. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  15. ↑ "Ayala ponders future after son again denied parole". 4 November 2012.
  16. ↑ "'Torito' following in father's footsteps at Zarzamora Street Gym". 9 May 2014.
  17. ↑ "S.A. boxer Tony Ayala Jr. dies at 52". Archived from the original on 2015-05-18. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
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