Beloved Boxing Trainer and Devoted Father Jose Santa Cruz, the Guiding Force Behind Champion Leo Santa Cruz’s Legendary Career, Passes Away

June 2, 2025

The boxing community is mourning the profound loss of Jose Santa Cruz, the beloved father, mentor, and longtime trainer of former four-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Jose passed away after a long and courageous battle with illness, leaving behind a legacy defined by strength, resilience, and a lifetime of dedication to his family and the sport he cherished.

Jose Santa Cruz was more than just the man in the corner of the ring. He was the cornerstone of the Santa Cruz family — a father whose strength inspired, a trainer whose wisdom guided, and a man whose journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of boxing greatness embodied the spirit of perseverance.

For fans of the sport, Jose will forever be remembered as the steady hand behind Leo Santa Cruz’s remarkable rise to prominence. From the gritty gyms of California to the brightest lights of Las Vegas and beyond, Jose was a constant presence — teaching, encouraging, and shaping his son into one of the most beloved champions of his generation. Leo, known for his relentless pace, iron will, and sportsmanship, often credited his father as the driving force behind his career.

But Jose’s influence extended far beyond boxing. To those who knew him personally, he was a man of immense heart, humility, and deep moral conviction. A survivor in every sense of the word, he faced multiple life-threatening health battles with courage and determination, including a bout with cancer and other serious medical challenges. Even while enduring treatments and the physical toll of illness, Jose remained in his son’s corner — literally and figuratively — guiding Leo through some of the most significant fights of his career.

“He never gave up on us — never gave up on me. Even when he was sick, he was there, telling me what to do, keeping me strong. That was my dad. That was my hero,” Leo said in a statement on Tuesday. “I don’t know where I’d be without him. I owe everything to him. He taught me how to fight — in the ring, and in life.”

Jose Santa Cruz’s journey was one of sacrifice and deep love. Born in Mexico, he immigrated to the United States with a dream of building a better life for his family. Through hard work and determination, he instilled in his children the values of discipline, humility, and relentless drive. His influence is seen not just in Leo’s achievements but in the lives of those he touched — young fighters, friends, and members of the boxing world who sought his advice or simply watched with admiration as he quietly changed the trajectory of his son’s career.

Tributes have poured in from across the sports world, including fellow trainers, fighters, and boxing promoters who had the privilege of witnessing Jose’s unique impact. Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella called Jose “a quiet legend in the sport — not because of titles, but because of the man he was.” Others echoed similar sentiments, remembering him as a “warrior behind the scenes,” a “coach with compassion,” and a “father who defined what it means to be selfless.”

The Santa Cruz family, known for their deep faith and close-knit bond, has asked for privacy as they grieve, but they also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received. A public memorial is expected to be planned, allowing fans and friends to pay their respects.

In his passing, Jose Santa Cruz leaves behind more than memories — he leaves behind a blueprint for greatness, etched in grit, love, and an indomitable will. He was a fighter in every sense of the word, one whose legacy will live on through his family, through every round fought by Leo, and through every young boxer who dares to dream.

As the final bell tolls for this extraordinary man, the world of boxing bows its head not in defeat, but in honor of a life that gave so much — in and out of the ring.

Rest in peace, Jose Santa Cruz. Your fight is over, but your legacy will never fade.