Lora started training in his native Montería and eventually represented his home department.

He defended his belt eight times and fought boxers such as Alberto Davila,[1] Antonio Avelar, Ray Minus,[2] Lucio Omar López, until he lost against Raúl "Jíbaro" Pérez.

During the three years that Miguel "Happy" Lora kept his title, he was known for his defensive, methodical style.

After his loss to Raúl "Jíbaro" Pérez, he fought for a world title against Gaby Canizales, who won by knockout and eventually dislodged Lora's fifth cervical vertebrae.

Miguel "Happy" Lora decided to retire form boxing in 1993 and since then he has been living in his native Montería, dedicated to personal business, TV shows and soap operas.