Undefeated welterweight Pete Latorre will return to the ring on June 27, 2026, to headline a scheduled 10-round bout against Cesar Diaz at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York. The 28-year-old Elmont native, known professionally as “Voodoo,” enters the “Rockin’ Fights 54” event with a perfect 6-0 record and a 100% knockout ratio.
While his power has earned him attention in the local boxing scene, the U.S. Marine Corps infantry veteran is equally defined by his academic pursuits as a graduate student and advocate for fellow service members.
Pete Latorre made his professional debut on August 6, 2024, defeating Dustin Garrett via knockout at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville. This transition to the professional ranks came after a multi-year amateur career spanning 2020 to 2023, where he maintained a 44.44% knockout rate across nine bouts.
Military service and the roots of the one-two punch
Since turning pro, Latorre has yet to let a fight reach the judges’ scorecards, securing six consecutive victories within the distance under the guidance of trainer Joseph Gadigian.
The upcoming 10-round contest follows Latorre’s most recent performance in February 2026, where he stopped the 31-year-old Jose Edgardo Perdomo in the opening round at the Paramount Theatre. Tickets for the June 27 card have been available since earlier this month, with officials from Star Boxing indicating that seats are moving quickly.
Latorre, standing 5-foot-10-inch with an orthodox stance, has fought primarily in the Tri-state area, including appearances at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens and the Prudential Center in Newark.
The “one-two punch” label frequently applied to Pete Latorre refers to the intersection of his combat sports career and his background as a United States Marine Corps infantry veteran. He credits his military tenure for the discipline and work ethic that currently fuel his twice-daily training sessions at Westbury Boxing.
Latorre has integrated these traits into a life that remains split between the gym and the classroom, where he is currently pursuing dual Master’s degrees.
This path of high-level competition and rigorous study is a heavy workload, yet it mirrors the technical focus seen in other combat sports athletes. For instance, while some competitors look to cross over into different disciplines late in their careers, such as when com/jon-jones-russia-boxing-debut-talks-iba-kremlev-2026/”>Jon Jones may discuss boxing debut possibilities, Latorre has committed to a traditional progression through the welterweight ranks. His approach emphasizes technical pressure and physical conditioning, fundamental skills he honed during his professional span from 2024 to 2026.
Promoter Joe DeGuardia, the CEO of Star Boxing, recently commented on Latorre’s impact, stating that the fighter “continues to prove he’s a force.” During previous “Rockin’ Fights” events, DeGuardia noted that the Paramount Theatre provides a significant stage for fighters to seize opportunities through explosive performances.
The upcoming clash with Cesar Diaz will be the first time Latorre is scheduled for 10 rounds, a notable increase in duration from his previous outings.
Academic leadership and veteran advocacy at Hofstra University
Outside the ring, Pete Latorre is a graduate student at Hofstra University, enrolled in a dual degree program for Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling. His commitment to these fields stems from his experiences as a veteran and a desire to support those transitioning back to civilian life.
He currently serves as the President of Hofstra University’s Student Veterans Association, where he helps peers navigate the complexities of life after service.
Mental health awareness is a cornerstone of Latorre’s advocacy. He often works to bridge the gap for veterans in Nassau County, applying the same resilience found in boxing to his counseling studies. This intellectual focus is not unlike the ring intelligence often praised by legends of the sport. Just as com/roberto-duran-names-ken-buchanan-smartest-opponent-boxing-history/”>Roberto Duran identified Ken Buchanan as a particularly astute opponent due to his boxing IQ, Latorre’s dual life requires a high level of mental sharpness to balance the physical toll of 100% knockout power with academic excellence.
Maintaining momentum in the welterweight division
Latorre is part of a local contingent of fighters who have found success at the Paramount Theatre, a venue that has become a staple for Long Island boxing. His resume includes notable stoppage wins over Ricardo Jimenez in Queens and Rigoberto Cepeda in Riverhead.
These victories have allowed him to build a following in Elmont and Syosset, his place of birth, as he continues to climb the ranks under the Star Boxing banner.
The June 27 event, “Rockin’ Fights 54,” will test whether Latorre’s finishing ability translates to longer-distance bouts. While he has finished all six professional opponents early—most notably Ricardo Jimenez in April 2025 and Maurice Clemons in February 2025—the 10-round schedule requires a different pace.
Latorre’s background in both amateur and professional boxing, combined with his Marine Corps training, suggests he is prepared for the tactical shifts required at 147 pounds.
As the date approaches, the Elmont welterweight remains focused on both his upcoming opponent and his responsibilities as a counselor-in-training. For the fans who have followed his journey from a Nashville debut to a Huntington headliner, the story of Pete Latorre is as much about his service and scholarship as it is about the knockout streak he carries into the ring.
