Nicaraguan Boxing Legend Adonis Cruz Laid to Rest in Emotional Farewell

Nicaragua mourns the loss of one of its most iconic boxing champions, Adonis Cruz, whose body arrived in Managua on Friday, September 13, 2024. The 54-year-old Cruz, a beloved figure in Nicaraguan sports, passed away on Monday, September 9, in Guatemala due to ongoing health complications. His remains were accompanied by his mother, Yadira Ortega, as they made the journey back to his hometown of Juigalpa, Chontales.

Adonis Cruz, whose career flourished in the 1990s, was widely regarded as one of the finest boxers in Nicaragua’s rich sporting history. The former champion’s body will be honored in several ceremonies. Family, friends, and boxing fans will pay their respects at his former home in Juigalpa before moving on to the Alexis Argüello Gymnasium on Saturday. A posthumous tribute will be held there at 1 p.m., followed by a funeral mass at the Holy Cathedral Church at 3 p.m. Cruz will be laid to rest in the municipal cemetery, with the entire town expected to come together for this final farewell.

Cruz’s remarkable boxing career left an indelible mark on Nicaraguan sports. With a professional record of 31 wins, 6 losses, and 18 knockouts, he became a household name. Cruz was a member of the famous “Poker de Ases” boxing group, alongside Rosendo Alvarez, Julio Yambito Gamboa, and Eddie Sáenz. His career highlights include two title fights: a loss to Johnny Tapia for the WBO 115-pound title in 1996, where he was trained by boxing legend Alexis Argüello, and a 1998 bout against Jorge Eliézer Julio of Colombia, where he narrowly missed capturing the Roosterweight championship.

One of Cruz’s most celebrated fights was a domestic showdown with Yambito Gamboa, which was declared the best fight in Latin America by the WBA. Known for his heart and resilience, Cruz remained a symbol of Nicaraguan boxing excellence long after his retirement.

His passing is a significant loss for the boxing community. Social media has been filled with tributes to the former champion, with fans recalling his legendary matches and relentless fighting spirit. As Nicaragua bids farewell to one of its greatest athletes, Cruz’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched both in and out of the ring. May he rest in peace.