Cleveland Boxer Raul Torres is Convicted of Drug Money Laundering & Rooster Cockfighting

*Photo Credit: Boxingscene.com

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Cleveland, OH (July 7th, 2019)– Cleveland, Ohio’s colorful junior welterweight Raul Torres, 56, who runs a boxing gym on West 32nd Street in Cleveland, has been convicted of drug money laundering through real estate (according to www.Cleveland.com), and illegal cockfighting involving roosters.


Starting in 2011, The Federal Bureau of Investigation documented over one million dollars earned by Torres in illegal drug sales proceeds and other crimes. The other crimes included animal rights violations, for training roosters for cockfights. According to the FBI, Torres washed his illegal proceeds by using drug money to buy houses, fix them up, and resell them at a profit.


Torres pled guilty to nine charges, including money laundering, the animal rights violations from his involvement in Cleveland cockfights, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting service. Torres also forfeited $60,500 in illegal proceeds seized from his bank accounts, and he also agreed to pay an additional $1,037, 686 money judgment penalty. Torres will remain free on bond until his sentencing on October 9, 2019. Between 1985 and 1997, Torres compiled a professional ring record of 12 wins, seven losses, and two draws, with two knockouts. Torres went 11-2-2 in his first 15 pro bouts. His notable bouts include 10 round decision losses to Harry Arroyo and Hector Camacho. In his last ring appearance, Torres won an eight round unanimous decision over veteran Jeff Graffius.

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].