Ray Mendoza

José Díaz Velázquez (July 6, 1929 – April 16, 2003) was a Mexican Luchador, or professional wrestler, better known under his ring name Ray Mendoza. Diaz had great success in the National Wrestling Alliance, where he was a five time World Light Heavyweight Champion, as well as the first Mexican to hold the championship. In 1975, Diaz helped establish Universal Wrestling Association with Francisco Flores and Benjamín Mora. During his many title reigns, Diaz faced many present or future stars, such as Gran Hamada, Killer Kowalski, John Tolos, El Solitario, Fishman, René Guajardo, Gory Guerrero, El Santo, and Cavernario Galindo. After retiring, Diaz became an actor and appeared in several Mexican films. Mendoza was the father of Los Villanos, Villano I, Villano II. Villano III, Villano IV, and Villano V. Biography José Díaz Velazquez was born on July 6, 1929, and grew up in the Tepito district of Mexico City, a very poor and violent neighborhood. Díaz never finished any formal education as he had to start earning a living at a very early age to support himself and his wife Lupita Mendoza whom he married when he was just 15 years old. While working in a bakery Díaz also worked hard to keep in shape, participating in cycling, swimming and baseball. Boxing career Díaz decided to become a professional boxer and made his debut as a pro in 1950, keeping his dayjob in the bakery as well. Díaz boxed under name "Joe Díaz", a shortened version of his real name. At one point he had a sparring session with a couple of luchadors as he was told not to spar with any of the boxers at the gym. The luchadors wanted to teach the boxer a lesson and ended up injuring Díaz's back with a knee drop. The back injury later forced Díaz to retire after only 20 matches. After his retirement he began working as a health inspector for the Mexico City county. Professional wrestling career Despite being forced to retire from pro boxing Díaz kept in shape by lifting weights at a local gym. The gym owner was impressed with Díaz physique and work ethics and recommended he become a luchador. Díaz was originally trained by Ray Carrasco and later also trained under Rogelio de la Paz, Genaro Contreas, Raul Rojas and Daniel García; the latter would later be famous under the name of "Huracán Ramírez".