Corpus Chrusti, Тексас (Јануар 4, 2017) –Former Lightweight world title contender, Jerry ‘Corpus Christi Kid’ Белмонтес, 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; победа 117 од његових налетима. 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. У његовом 6 fights working with Golden Boy Promotions, Belmontes defeated former IBO champion Will Tomlinson (21-0-1). Током своје каријере, 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, Омар Фигуероа. 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 туче. 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 светски прваци, and had wins over 4 undefeated foes.
“It is weird retiring at 28 {година стар} but I had a great career. I fought on TV, represented my city {Corpus Christi} and family name. I got to make a little money and was able to provide a different life for my wife and kids. Најважније, 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 године. 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 {Адријан Кларк} that will help educate and protect fighters.”
Belmontes is holding a press conference at the American Bank Center on Јануар 11, 2017у Цорпус Цхристи, Texas to officially announce his retirement.
