The World Boxing Association (WBA) mourns the passing of Puerto Rican boxing legend Carlos Ortiz, considered one of the best historical fighters of his country.

The news about Ortiz, who was 86 years old, was released on Monday. He was world champion in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions, one of the first to achieve such a feat.

Ortiz was a native of Ponce and fought between 1955 and 1972, in an excellent career that led him to fight great battles in the ring and to be remembered forever. He retired with a record of 61 wins, 7 losses and 1 draw. He was champion of the WBA when it was still called NBA before 1962 and was also crowned in the new era with the pioneer organization.

In 1991 he entered the Canastota Boxing Hall of Fame as the icing on the cake of a career that was extraordinary and served as an inspiration for the rest of Puerto Rican and Latino fighters. The WBA sends condolences to Ortiz’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.