) was a professional boxer

Boxing

Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...

, who was nicknamed "El Puma" during his career.

He moved to Hillsborough Township, New Jersey

Hillsborough Township, New Jersey

Hillsborough Township is a Township in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 38,303....

 to be near his trainer and improve his career opportunities while trying to get entry visas for his family. He shared an apartment with two roommates and worked at a local McDonald's

McDonald's

McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 64 million customers daily in 119 countries. Headquartered in the United States, the company began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948...

.

On February 28, 2004, he defended his North American Boxing Association lightweight title against Ricky Quiles at the Seminole Tribe of Florida

Seminole Tribe of Florida

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Seminole tribe based in the U.S. state of Florida. Together with the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, it is one of three federally recognized Seminole entities...

 Coconut Creek Casino. He collapsed moments after losing a unanimous decision, and was rushed to the North Broward Medical Center. He died after undergoing surgery for head trauma. His wife, Miraebel, and father, Luis, Sr. (granted emergency visas), were at his bedside. He never regained consciousness.

Villalta is the fifth Peruvian fighter to die in the ring. His career record was 29-6-1.