Ngel Espada

Ángel Luis "Cholo" Espada Mangual, born on February 2, 1948, is a Puerto Rican former professional boxer who became the WBA world Welterweight champion in 1975-76. His professional boxing career began in 1967, marked by early defeats and draws before he achieved his first win in 1968. By 1969, he embarked on a fifteen-fight winning streak after defeating Bobby Joe Hughes, which was interrupted in 1970 when Matt Donovan stopped his streak.

Espada's career took a significant turn in 1975 when he became the WBA world Welterweight champion after José Nápoles was stripped of his title for fighting outside the welterweight division. Espada defeated Clyde Gray on June 28, 1975, in San Juan, making him Puerto Rico's fourth world boxing champion. He retained the title with a win over Johnny Gant and fought notable boxers like Miguel Campanino and Thomas Hearns.

In 1976, he lost the title to José Cuevas in a second-round knockout. After retiring from boxing in 1980 following a loss to Thomas Hearns, Espada pursued music, forming the "Cholo Espada orchestra," which gained success in Puerto Rico during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He later returned to boxing for one final fight in 1981 before permanently retiring. Espada, known for his knockout record of 27 wins by knockout, transitioned into a career as a boxing trainer post-retirement.

His professional boxing record stands at 44 wins, 11 losses, and 3 draws, with notable victories over figures like Armando Muñiz, Manuel González, and Matt Donovan.