By Jhonny Gonzalez
Tragedy has struck the boxing world in Puerto Rico. Rising unbeaten prospect Juan Alberto "El Puma" González (11-0, 10KOs), 22-years-old, was pronounced dead this morning at the Rio Piedras Medical Center after being shot in Toa Baja on Monday night. He was shot in the head as he rode his motorcycle through the area of Sabana Seca in Toa Baja.
"We were called at 3:08 in the morning to tell us he had died," said Bryan Perez, an executive for Miguel Cotto Promotions. "The sudden departure of Puma takes us by surprise and gives us a deep sadness. We will always remember him for his genuine smile and warrior spirit that lived within him."
Gonzalez, who turned pro in 2009, last fought in March on the Miguel Cotto-Ricardo Mayorga undercard at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He also fought on the undercard of Cotto's title win over Yuri Foreman last June in New York's Yankee Stadium.
"We are saddened by the sudden death of Puma. He always showed courage and bravery in each of his fights. He will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him and shared with him. May he lay peace," said world champion Miguel Cotto and promoter.