Boxer killing may be drug-related

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

North Las Vegas Police say they have "several serious leads" after determining that the slaying of a popular local ex-boxer is drug-related.

Steve Delgado, 41, was shot on Oct. 18 outside the Cheyenne Condominiums, 3301 Civic Center Drive, and died last Thursday at the University Medical Center.

NLV Police Lt. Chris Larotonda said today he had no idea of Delgado's athletic background until Tuesday, and said that would not have swayed the investigation away from the sale or purchase of narcotics.

"Dope can get people of all different backgrounds," Larotonda said, noting that Delgado appeared to be in excellent physical condition at the time he was killed in an apparent drug deal gone bad.

Delgado was convicted of drug trafficking in Massachusetts in 1990.

In 1980, Delgado won the North American Boxing Federation junior middleweight title. In the last decade, he has been a trainer for amateur and pro fighters.

"There was no reason for him to be where he was at," Larotonda said of the factors that led police to believe the shooting was drug-related. "He did not live in the area, which is known for drug sales to people from outside the area.

"We are working on several serious leads (to find his killer). We are now headed in a much more positive direction."

In recent years, Delgado, a member of the U.S. Amateur Boxing Association, trained amateur fighters at the Partners Gym and the Golden Gloves Gym.

Larotonda said there are no indications that Delgado's alleged involvement with drugs was linked to his activities at either facility.

He added that the investigation is continuing.

In his six-year pro ring career, Delgado compiled a record of 18 wins, six by knockout; seven losses, three by knockout; and a draw. He last fought in 1982 and worked in the mid-1980s as a security guard.

Delgado, originally from Worcester, Mass., was a Marine and a Vietnam War veteran.