Jose Santa Cruz, Revered Father, Mentor, and Legendary Boxing Trainer Behind Son Leo Santa Cruz’s Iconic Career, Dies at 68 Following Long Illness

The boxing world is grieving the loss of one of its most respected and beloved figures, Jose Santa Cruz, who passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 68, following a prolonged battle with illness. Best known as the father, trainer, and spiritual cornerstone of four-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, Jose was more than a coach—he was a father figure to many fighters, a symbol of perseverance, and a guiding force who helped shape one of boxing’s most storied families.

Though his name was often spoken quietly behind the spotlight, Jose’s presence loomed large in the world of professional boxing. His dedication to his family and to the sport created a foundation upon which greatness was built, and his passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by fighters, trainers, and fans across the globe.

A Life Defined by Love, Discipline, and the Sweet Science

Born in Mexico and later emigrating to the United States in pursuit of opportunity, Jose Santa Cruz brought with him not only a deep love for boxing but also the values of hard work, humility, and resilience. He began coaching his sons in boxing from a young age, instilling in them the technical fundamentals of the sport—but more importantly, he taught them about character, grit, and respect.

His most famous pupil, Leo Santa Cruz, would go on to achieve boxing immortality, becoming a four-division world champion. But Jose’s role in Leo’s rise was far more than that of a coach. He was Leo’s most trusted advisor, motivator, and protector—watching over his son not only in training camps and corner fights, but through every hardship and milestone in life.

“Without my father, I wouldn’t be who I am,” Leo said in a past interview. “Everything I’ve done in boxing, I owe to him. He pushed me when I needed it, he loved me even when I failed, and he believed in me always.”

The Heart of a Fighter, The Soul of a Father

Even as he battled illness in his later years—reportedly a long fight with cancer that included multiple treatments and hospital stays—Jose never allowed his physical condition to dampen his commitment to his family or his fighters. He was often seen ringside, even while visibly weakened, providing instructions in the corner or offering a steady hand during weigh-ins and press events.

That indomitable spirit became symbolic of the Santa Cruz family as a whole: resilient, humble, and always moving forward. His presence, often quiet yet commanding, was the emotional heartbeat of Team Santa Cruz.

Fellow trainers and fighters alike respected him for his calm demeanor, technical brilliance, and deep understanding of the psychological demands of boxing. Jose was never known for theatrics or headlines; he was known for results—and for the way he treated every fighter like family.

More Than a Coach: Jose’s Influence Beyond the Ring

Though Jose was primarily known for his role in his son’s career, his influence extended to many others within the boxing community. Younger fighters who came through the Santa Cruz training gym would often speak of Jose’s generosity—how he offered training, advice, and mentorship without asking for anything in return.

He never sought personal fame. He sought excellence—for his sons, for his fighters, and for the sport he loved.

In recent years, as his health began to decline, Jose remained actively involved in boxing through his sons and through mentorship of aspiring trainers. His legacy, as many now say, is not just measured in title belts but in the character and commitment of those he trained.

The Santa Cruz Dynasty: A Family Built on Boxing and Faith

Jose’s influence was not limited to Leo. The Santa Cruz family is deeply rooted in boxing, with multiple brothers having competed professionally. Jose was the head of a boxing dynasty—not one built on bravado, but on unity, sacrifice, and quiet determination.

He balanced discipline with affection, running a tight training environment while being a constant source of emotional support for his sons. Through challenges both in and out of the ring—including tragic family losses, financial struggles, and personal illness—Jose remained the bedrock of the family.

He was also a deeply spiritual man, often speaking of faith as the foundation of his perseverance. That spiritual strength was reflected in the way he approached both life and loss—with grace, patience, and compassion.

A Legacy Etched in Championship Gold and Family Love

The record books will remember Leo Santa Cruz for his world titles and thrilling battles against the likes of Carl Frampton, Abner Mares, and Gervonta Davis. But those within the sport know that Leo’s career—every jab, every victory lap, every ounce of discipline—was a reflection of Jose’s teaching.

Jose’s legacy is deeply etched in those moments of triumph. Behind every victory stood a man who never wavered in his belief, who rose early to train his sons, who stayed late to analyze film, and who put his family’s dreams above his own comfort.

It is not an overstatement to say that Jose’s philosophy—dignity in defeat, humility in victory—became the defining trait of the Santa Cruz name in boxing.

Mourning and Tributes from the Boxing World

Since news of Jose’s passing broke on June 2, tributes have poured in from across the boxing landscape. Promoters, fighters, journalists, and fans alike have honored the man behind one of the sport’s most beloved champions.

Golden Boy Promotions released a statement calling Jose Santa Cruz “a pillar of strength, humility, and wisdom, whose love for boxing and family inspired everyone around him.”

Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya posted a heartfelt tribute on social media: “Jose Santa Cruz was more than a trainer. He was a father figure to all who knew him. Rest in peace, maestro.”

Rival fighters, including those who faced his son in the ring, shared words of condolence and admiration. Carl Frampton, who famously split two thrilling bouts with Leo, wrote: “My respect to Jose Santa Cruz—what a man. Always respectful, always kind. My thoughts are with the Santa Cruz family.”

A Final Round: Remembering Jose Santa Cruz

Jose Santa Cruz did not seek the spotlight. He did not speak in soundbites, nor did he crave recognition. But those who knew him understood that he was the light behind one of boxing’s brightest stars—a tireless worker, a loving father, and a masterful teacher.

As the boxing world reflects on his passing, what emerges is the portrait of a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave everything he had for those he cared about. His teachings will live on in every punch thrown by his son, every lesson remembered by the fighters he trained, and in every story told about a man whose quiet wisdom changed lives.

He is survived by his sons, including Leo, and a family who will carry his values forward.

Funeral Arrangements and Public Memorial

The Santa Cruz family has announced that funeral arrangements will be private, reserved for close friends and relatives. However, a public memorial celebration of life is being planned in Los Angeles, where the boxing community will be invited to honor the legacy of Jose Santa Cruz.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to youth boxing programs in underserved communities—continuing Jose’s mission to uplift the next generation through discipline, mentorship, and love of sport.

More details about the memorial service will be shared in the coming days through official family and promotional channels.

Jose Santa Cruz was more than a trainer. He was a builder of champions, a father who gave everything, and a man whose example made the sport of boxing better, nobler, and more human. He may have left this world, but his legacy will remain undefeated.