By Rey Colon
Juan 'El Puma' Gonzalez, who on Tuesday was killed by the rampant violence in the country, received his final honors at the coliseum Antonio R. Barcelo in Toa Baja, where his followers in the world of boxing and in his private life, including family members, paid tribute before his burial in the municipal cemetery. The tribute was colorful, and included travels through various sections of people with the sound of music. Photos by Mario Vayas.
Gonzalez, 21 years with perfect record of 11-0 with 10 knockouts, was shot in the head while he was traveling on his motorcycle with another person who was wounded in the leg. Gonzalez died the next day at the Rio Piedras Medical Center.
Four subjects between the ages of 17 and 24 were arrested at two days after the events occurred in a suburb of Bayamon, and are presumed to be connected with the killing that shocked the boxing family and the city plains.
The coffin left the Barceló Coliseum in a truck used for political campaigns where the white coffin was visible for hundreds of people who swarmed into the streets when the funeral procession passed.
Well-known salsa singer Luisito Carrion, a friend of the deceased fighter used his talent by devoting a couple of songs as mourners shouted "Puma ... Puma ... Puma."
On the other hand, Miguel Cotto, company president of Miguel Cotto Promotions, which handled the career of Gonzalez, said he was very saddened by what happened with the fighter, who was one of their top prospects.
"We are saddened and dismayed 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 rest in peace," Cotto said.
