Police report: Tony Ayala Jr.'s death 'appears to be overdose'

Body of troubled boxing star found Tuesday at gym

SAN ANTONIO – Controversial local boxer Tony Ayala Jr. died from an apparent overdose, according to a San Antonio police report released Thursday afternoon.

The report says that when officers arrived at the Zarzamora Street Gym on Tuesday morning, they found Ayala on the floor with a narcotic-filled syringe near his body.

Officers also found a ball of heroin on a desk.

The report goes on to say that there was no sign of foul play and that the death appears to be an overdose.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner has not issued an official cause of death.

Ayala's body was discovered at the same gym founded by his father, boxing trainer Tony Ayala Sr.

Boxer's troubled past

Ayala Jr. was once a rising star in the boxing world and was a former top contender for a world title until he was arrested on a charge of rape in New Jersey in 1983.

He was convicted of the crime and served 16 years in prison.

Frankie Randazzo, with the Randazzo Brothers Gym, said Tony Ayala Jr. was running a gym and appeared to be back on track.

"Only heaven knows what could have happened, what would have happened," said Randazzo. "But I think he would have reached out to the stars and taken them and run with them. I think he would have accomplished a lot."

Image courtesy of fightsports.gr


About the Authors:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.