After spending the last two months in the hospital following surgery, Tony Ayala Sr. passed away Thursday night at the age of 74.
His death was confirmed by his youngest son Paulie in a phone conversation, telling KSAT-12 Sports his father's death was linked to diabetes complications.
Over the years Ayala was considered to be a very knowledgeable, but also controversial, trainer, especially when it came to one of his younger and most promising sons in the ring, Tony Ayala Jr.
In fact, Ayala Jr. was set to be released from prison later this month following another 10 years in prison.
Ayala Sr. was set to have the biggest payday of his career when Ayala Jr. was expected to fight for a world title until a rape conviction in 1983 sent him to prison the first time.
Ayala had four sons, including Mike Ayala, who was inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame this past February following his boxing career.
"He may not have been a perfect man," said Paulie Ayala. "But he was a fair man."