Mike Ayala​

San Antonio native Mike Ayala, nicknamed “El Ciclon”, compiled a 45-6 record over his professional career, including 23 knockouts. He is the oldest of the fighting Ayala brothers, Tony Ayala Jr., Sammy and Paulie, and considered the best all-around boxer of the four.​

As an amateur, Ayala won National Golden Gloves Championships in 1973 and 1975. In 1974, he won the 1974 National AAU Bantamweight Championship. As a professional, he was the North American Boxing Federation super bantamweight and featherweight champions. ​

In 1979, Ayala fought Danny Lopez for the World Featherweight Title in a 15-round TKO loss dubbed “Fight of the Year” by Ring Magazine. Ayala retired in 1991 after a final win against Lee Cargle in San Antonio. He is credited with helping the Jesse James Leija Gym become one of the nation’s top boxing facilities. Ayala has since returned to his hometown of San Antonio.