The media in Puerto Rico reported on Tuesday, September 12th that accomplished Puerto Rican trainer Manny Siaca Sr. passed away at the age of 74 years due to respiratory arrest. Siaca was a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam. During his internship in the Navy, he became a boxer.  That was just the beginning of his training, which would lead him to become a world-class coach that had many world champions in his stable, including his son Manny Siaca, Jr.

The WBA remembers with great affection Siaca, who was a great friend of President Emeritus Gilberto Mendoza and also formed close ties with the current boss, Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and Alfredo Mendoza, son and grandson, respectively.   

The Puerto Rican Siaca was noted for the discipline he imprinted in his pupils and the respect he achieved worldwide thanks to his achievements.  Among the boxers who he trained were Wilfredo Vasquez, Edwin “Chapo” Rosario, Juan Nazario and his own son, Manny Siaca Jr. who was crowned with the World Boxing Association title at 168 pounds.

The native of Toa Baja had suffered a heart attack a couple of years ago and had been experiencing health problems for some days.  The mayor of the city, Bernardo Marquez, highlighted the contribution of Siaca for boxing in his country in a demonstration of the relevance of the coach on the island.

The WBA regrets the departure of Siaca and appreciates his dedication to boxing.   Boxingtalk joins the WBA in sending its condolences to the friedns and family of Manny Siaca, Sr. source: wba