The boxing world has lost another legend. Ismael Laguna, the Hall of Fame fighter known as "The Tiger of Colón," has died at 83.
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The Panamanian Sports Institute announced Laguna's death Wednesday, saying, "Panamanian boxing is in mourning."
Laguna had reportedly been hospitalized before his death in his native Panama. A cause of death has not been announced.
Born in Colón, Panama, Laguna became one of the country's most important boxing figures during a professional career that spanned from 1960 to 1971.
His signature moment came on April 10, 1965, when Laguna defeated Carlos Ortiz over 15 rounds to capture the world lightweight championship.
Ortiz regained the title in a rematch later that year, but Laguna eventually returned to the top of the division. He defeated Mando Ramos in 1970 to become lightweight champion for a second time.
Laguna retired with a record of 65-9-1, including 37 victories by knockout.
Nicknamed "The Tiger of Colón" for his aggressive and fearless fighting style, Laguna helped fuel boxing's growing popularity in Panama and became one of the nation's most celebrated fighters.
His accomplishments were eventually recognized by the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 2001. He is one of only a handful of Panamanian fighters to receive the honor.
Laguna was also inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
More than six decades after he first became a world champion, he remained an important figure in Panamanian boxing history.
