Boxing contender and convicted rapist Ayala dead at 52 in Texas (Reuters)
By Jim Forsyth SAN ANTONIO (Reuters) – Former boxer Tony Ayala Jr., a middleweight title contender whose career was cut short by a rape conviction, was found dead on Tuesday at the age of 52 at a gym in San Antonio. Ayala’s death was confirmed by Henry Rodriguez, a long-time friend and business associate. After his release from prison, Ayala was seen as a mentor to a generation of Texas boxers, Rodriguez said. Ayala was born to a prominent San Antonio boxing family with his father and two brothers being prize fighters.