Juan González shot, dead at 21

By José Santana Jr.:

Puerto Rican boxing prospect Juan “El Puma” González Vázquez died early Wednesday at the Centro Medico Hospital in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, after being shot at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday in his hometown, the Levittown section of  Toa Baja.

The 21-year-old was left in critical condition after he was shot while reportedly riding his motorcycle through the neighborhood. It is not believed that he was involved in the shooting other than as an innocent victim.

Also shot was González’s friend, Javier Joel Pérez Santana, 25, wounded in the leg and in stable condition.

González (11-0, 10 KOs) debuted as a professional in 2009 at the lightweight division and was promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment. He was one of the brightest youngsters in the stable of fighters.

“We are very sad and shocked by the unfortunate passing of ‘El Puma,’” said world champion boxer and president of Miguel Cotto Promotions Miguel Cotto in a statement. “He always demonstrated courage and bravery in each one of his fights. He will live eternally in the hearts of those who knew him and shared time with him. May he rest in peace.”

His most recent victory came March 12 in Las Vegas when he defeated Jeremy McLaurin in the first round on the Cotto-Ricardo Mayorga undercard. He also fought last June in Yankee Stadium in Bronx, N.Y., on the Cotto-Yuri Foreman undercard.

“‘El Puma’ was very important for us,” said president of H2 Entertainment Hector Soto. “It is a very unfortunate situation. We have to pray so that God can give strength to his family.”

“This is one of those moments that nobody wants to live through,” said executive director of Miguel Cotto Promotions Bryan Pérez. “The sudden passing of ‘El Puma’ takes us by surprise and gives us all profound sadness, this whole tragedy. We will always remember him for his genuine smile and the spirit of a warrior that lived within him.”

It is reported that González was shot while gunmen in the area were looking for another person. The police are still investigating the situation and looking for the criminal who fired the shots.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly through Miguel Cotto Promotions.

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Update: According to PrimeraHora.com four adults and one minor were detained Wednesday believed to be involved in the murder of González. The individuals were arrested in a house in the nearby city of Bayamon where authroities found firearms, ammunition, and controlled substances.

June 8, 2011