The Moth Podcast: José Torres – "Light Heavyweight Champ"
Released on November 18, 2014
Introduction
In this poignant episode of The Moth, host Dan Kennedy delves into the inspiring life story of José Torres, a celebrated light heavyweight boxing champion and esteemed author. Recorded live at the Bam Cafe in Brooklyn in 1999, Torres shares his journey from a young boy in Puerto Rico to becoming a world champion, highlighting the profound role fear played in his athletic and personal development.
Early Life and Motivation
José Torres begins by reflecting on his childhood in Puerto Rico during World War II. He recounts his admiration for American soldiers stationed near his home, who he viewed as protectors and heroes:
“When I was growing up in Puerto Rico...my heroes were the American soldiers that were stationed near my house. They always had the best-looking girls...protecting us. We always spoke of them as the greatest people in the world.”
—José Torres [02:40]
Driven by this admiration, Torres aspired to emulate the soldiers' bravery and sought to join the army from a young age.
Joining the Army and Initial Struggles
At 17, Torres forged his mother's signature to volunteer for the Army, despite being underage. Shortly after enlisting, he encountered severe depression, describing his initial military experience as the "worst decision of my life":
“Two weeks after I was in the Army, I realized that had been the worst decision of my life. I disliked the army passionately...I was getting sick. It was depression.”
—José Torres [03:30]
Torres's mental health deteriorated, leading him to seek a remedy to his pervasive unhappiness.
Discovery of Boxing as a Remedy
Encouraged to engage in sports to alleviate his depression, Torres explored various athletic avenues with no success until he turned to boxing:
“...I went to Special Services and I said, I want to become a baseball player...basketball player...track and field...they said boxing. And I was so unhappy by being a soldier that I said, okay, I want to be a boxer.”
—José Torres [04:25]
With minimal formal training, relying instead on his street-fighting experience, Torres quickly found success in the boxing ring, securing multiple knockout victories in his initial fights.
Early Success in Boxing
Torres's natural prowess in boxing led him to win the Antilles Championship for the Armed Forces and subsequently the Caribbean Armed Forces Championship in Panama. His undefeated streak boosted his confidence and status within the military boxing circuit.
The Panama Fight and Confrontation with Fear
Despite his early successes, Torres faced his greatest challenge in Panama. Confronted with an opponent he deeply feared, Torres's anxiety manifested physically:
“When I got to Panama...I saw my opponent and I began to shake. I was shaking and shaking. Eventually, I learned that there was fear out of control. I was shaking and I said, I cannot beat this guy.”
—José Torres [07:15]
His trainer, Cus D'Amato, initially reacted with anger to Torres's admissions but ultimately supported him in overcoming his paralyzing fear.
Overcoming Fear and Winning the Fight
On fight night, Torres's fear was palpable. Despite this, he chose to proceed, telling his trainer:
“Listen, don't be concerned. I'm going to do my best and I'm going to lose doing my best.”
—José Torres [09:00]
During the match, Torres experienced intense physical sensations but managed to harness his fear, enabling him to anticipate his opponent's moves. His performance led to a triumphant victory, defying his initial doubts:
“In the end of the third round, I had won the fight. Pure skills, none. It was all physical.”
—José Torres [10:30]
Mentorship with Cus D'Amato
Post-fight, Torres deepened his understanding of fear under the mentorship of Cus D'Amato. He uncovered personal biases that contributed to his fear, particularly towards a former hero, Billy Priest. This revelation was pivotal in reshaping his perception of equality and fear:
“Cus told me that fear was something you must have if you wanted to be a champion...use fear to help you.”
—José Torres [11:45]
Despite discovering D'Amato's own fear of flying, Torres appreciated the wisdom imparted on managing fear as a strategic advantage in boxing.
Legacy and Reflections on Fear
Torres encapsulates the essence of fear's role in his championship journey:
“You must have fear in order for you to understand when the guy is going to throw a punch...that is triggered by fear.”
—José Torres [12:30]
This perspective underscores fear not as a hindrance but as a crucial component in anticipating and reacting effectively in high-stakes situations.
Conclusion
José Torres's narrative is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of confronting one's fears. From a troubled army recruit to a revered world champion, Torres's story serves as an inspiring lesson on harnessing fear to achieve greatness. His reflections offer valuable insights into the psychological aspects of competition and personal growth, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone seeking motivation and understanding of overcoming inner demons.
Legacy
José Torres remained a significant figure in boxing and literature, authoring acclaimed biographies of legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. His legacy continues to inspire, illustrating the profound impact of mental fortitude and emotional intelligence in achieving success.
“You must have fear in order for you to understand when the guy is going to throw a punch...that would be one of the best qualities of a champion.”
—José Torres [12:30]
Note: José Torres passed away in 2009, leaving behind a rich legacy both inside and outside the ring.