Ismael Laguna: key obituary facts
Is Ismael Laguna dead? Yes. Ismael Laguna died on September 8, 2026, at age 83.
Cause of death: Ismael Laguna's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Ismael Laguna known for?
He was a Panamanian boxer.
More about Ismael Laguna
Born: 28 June 1943.
Place of birth: Colón City.
Gender: male.
Occupation: boxer.
Nationality: Panama.
Awards: International Boxing Hall of Fame, WBC World Lightweight Champion, WBA World Lightweight Champion, The Ring World Lightweight Champion.
Also known as: Ismael Laguna Meneses.
Ismael Laguna, the Panamanian boxer who became a two-time undisputed lightweight champion, died on September 8, 2026, aged 83.
Born Ismael Laguna Meneses in Colón City, Panama, he rose to prominence as one of the sport’s leading lightweight fighters and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001. Known as “El Tigre Colonense,” Laguna first won the world lightweight title in 1965 and regained the belt in 1970.
His career also included 15-round decisions in title challenges against Carlos Ortiz in 1967 and Ken Buchanan in 1971, and he retired after the loss to Buchanan.