Marine veteran Peter Latorre, currently 6-0 with all victories by knockout in his professional welterweight boxing career, is pursuing a title while simultaneously working towards a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling and licensed mental health counseling at Hofstra University.
Latorre, 28, draws parallels between combat and the boxing ring, citing the heightened state of awareness and critical decision-making required in both. His military service included deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where he experienced the loss of comrades in a helicopter crash.
A Legacy of Service
The nickname "Voodoo," which Latorre uses as his ring name and which inspired his entrance music, was originally given to his grandfather, Luis, by fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War. Luis Latorre, an Army infantryman, earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart after surviving an ambush that claimed most of his platoon. He died in 2009 due to complications from Agent Orange exposure.
Peter Latorre believes his punching power is inherited, stating, "I think it's just in the blood." He has earned a reputation as a formidable opponent, ranked among the top 30 welterweights in the United States and top 100 globally. He has also gained recognition from women's featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano.
Pursuing Dual Goals
Latorre's professional boxing aspirations include a goal of four to six fights by the end of 2026, setting the stage for a potential title run in 2027. Beyond the ring, his career plans are rooted in his personal experiences and observations.
"I've seen PTSD, substance abuse. My father is a recovering addict. I saw what war does to family," Latorre said. "So to be able to sit across from another veteran that went through something similar, I think I'd be able to assist them."
He plans to work with struggling veterans, helping them navigate issues like PTSD and substance abuse, and assisting them in obtaining disability compensation. Latorre himself attends therapy, viewing his pursuit of a counseling career as a way to support fellow service members. He sees helping veterans as a therapeutic endeavor in itself and aims to use his growing platform to advocate for veteran causes.
Latorre's boxing journey began about nine years ago, after his first military deployment, when a boxing coach recognized his raw talent during a sparring session. He competed in 26 amateur bouts between 2020 and 2024 before turning professional, a path that included surgeries on his shoulder, hand, and breast.
He is scheduled to fight again as early as next month and hopes to one day compete for a championship title in his hometown, envisioning a major match at UBS Arena to represent Elmont, his hometown, and become its first champion fighter.