New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. issued the following statement today on the death of Jose "Chegui" Torres, who died at age 72 in Puerto Rico this morning. Torres, a silver medal Olympian and professional boxer, was a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and a leader in New York's Puerto Rican community. He had served as Commissioner of the New York State Athletic Commission, and penned "Sting Like a Bee" about Muhammed Ali and "Fire and Fear" about Mike Tyson.

"I am saddened to learn of the death of Jose 'Chegui' Torres. Jose, who passed away earlier this morning in Puerto Rico, cared passionately about our city and New Yorkers. Although he gained notoriety in the boxing ring, he will long be remembered for his strength of character and wealth of generosity. He was a man who broke barriers, a role model not just for the Puerto Rican community but for all New Yorkers who saw that one person could make a difference. He truly wanted our streets and neighborhoods to be safe and clean, and refused to sit on the sidelines because he believed in the power of the people. I extend my condolences to his friends and family."

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