Juan Laporte

Juan Laporte, born on November 24, 1959, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he began his boxing journey. As an amateur, he clinched the 1976 New York Golden Gloves Sub-Novice Championship in the 112-pound category, defeating Ricky Brown in the finals. He trained at the Lunar Boys Club in Brooklyn and amassed an amateur record of 29 wins and 6 losses.

Turning professional on October 29, 1977, Laporte debuted against Johnny Green in Hamilton, Ohio, securing a first-round technical knockout victory.

Throughout his career, Laporte faced numerous world-class opponents. On December 13, 1980, he challenged Salvador Sánchez for the WBC World Featherweight Title at the County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, but lost via unanimous decision.

He rebounded by defeating Rocky Lockridge on August 22, 1981, in Las Vegas, winning by a second-round knockout to claim the USBA Featherweight Title.

Laporte's pursuit of world titles continued with a unanimous decision loss to Eusebio Pedroza for the WBA World Featherweight Title on January 24, 1982, in Atlantic City.

His perseverance paid off on September 15, 1982, when he won the vacant WBC World Featherweight Title by stopping Mario Miranda in the tenth round at Madison Square Garden.

He successfully defended this title against Ruben Castillo on February 20, 1983, in San Juan, winning by unanimous decision, and again on June 25, 1983, with a split decision victory over Johnny De La Rosa.

However, on March 31, 1984, Laporte lost his WBC title to Wilfredo Gómez in San Juan by unanimous decision.

He continued to compete at the highest levels, challenging Julio César Chávez for the WBC World Super Featherweight Title on December 12, 1986, at Madison Square Garden, but lost by unanimous decision.

Laporte also faced Azumah Nelson for the WBC World Super Featherweight Title on October 13, 1990, in Sydney, Australia, suffering another unanimous decision defeat.

His final professional bout took place on June 18, 1999, against Billy Costello in Fayetteville. He lost by split decision over ten rounds.

Over a more than two-decades-long career, Laporte compiled a professional record of 40 wins (22 by knockout), 16 losses, and 1 draw, earning recognition for his resilience and willingness to face top-tier competition.