Corpus Chrusti, Texas (Януари 4, 2017) –Former Lightweight world title contender, Jerry ‘Corpus Christi Kid’ Belmontes, 21-10(6kos) has decided to hang up his gloves and cross over to the business side of boxing.
The fighting pride of Corpus Christi, Belmontes began fighting at age 10. He learned to use his great footwork and slippery style to build himself into a decorated amateur; спечелване 117 на неговите пристъпи. Jerry began his professional career under the Top Rank promotional arm. After a split with the company in 2010, Jerry later inked a deal with Main Events which was also short lived. His final pact with a promotional company came from Golden Boy which presented big opportunities against big names. В своята 6 fights working with Golden Boy Promotions, Belmontes defeated former IBO champion Will Tomlinson (21-0-1). По време на кариерата си, Belmontes had quality wins over undefeated Valentin Golovko (21-0), Daniel Diaz (19-4-1) and Joselito Collado (13-1), and earned a world title shot of his own versus amateur rival, Omar Фигероа. In controversial fashion, Belmontes was handed a split decision loss in which many thought he had beaten Figueroa.
The second half of Belmontes career was a downward spiral, losing 6 of his final 8 битки. He was stopped for the first time in his career by current WBA Lightweight champion Jason Sosa. In his final bout, Belmontes was defeated by Julian Rodriguez in Florida.
Belmontes faced 5 световни шампиони, and had wins over 4 undefeated foes.
“It is weird retiring at 28 {възраст} but I had a great career. I fought on TV, represented my city {Тяло Христово} and family name. I got to make a little money and was able to provide a different life for my wife and kids. Най-важното, I walk away in one piece and not in bad health.”
Jerry believes his career was indeed an education for him to guide fighters and help them on the business side of the sport.
“I learned a lot about the business of boxing in my 9 години. Although my time retired will be mostly spent with my wife and kids, I will be announcing the start of a new company with my manager {Adrian Clark} that will help educate and protect fighters.”
Belmontes is holding a press conference at the American Bank Center on Януари 11, 2017в Corpus Christi, Texas to officially announce his retirement.
