CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Julian Delgado, known as "King Julian," is making waves in the boxing world. The King High School graduate and Corpus Christi native has transitioned from a successful wrestling career to pursuing his passion for boxing. This article explores Delgado's journey, amateur achievements, and his entry into professional boxing.
From Wrestling to Boxing
Before becoming a National Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, Delgado was a successful wrestler. He qualified for the UIL Class 5A state tournament three times and won a gold medal at the Cy Fair Wrestling Championship during his senior year.
"I had a successful high school wrestling career and my dream was to wrestle my way to a Division I college and one day, wrestle in the Olympics," Delgado said. He even wrestled for six months at Iowa Western Junior College.
However, after personal reasons led him to return home, Delgado sought a way to relieve stress and anxiety. He discovered the Corpus Christi Police Officer Association Boxing Club and felt a sense of peace.
"I came home and I still had that athlete and competitive spirit in me," Delgado said. "A part of me was dealing with depression, being 19, not knowing if I was doing the right thing... Things like that. I needed a way to relieve some of the personal things going on in my life."
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Delgado discontinued his landscaping business to pursue boxing fulltime. He quickly showed potential, leading him to shift his Olympic dreams from wrestling to boxing.
Amateur Boxing Career
Delgado quickly made a name for himself in the amateur boxing scene. In just 18 months, he compiled a 33-3 record. He became a Corpus Christi, State of Texas, and National Golden Glove champion, achieving each title twice.
“Everything that I've been working for, all the sacrifices that I've made, dedicating my entire life to this literal moment. It’s finally here,” Julian Delgado said.
Delgado became the first Corpus Christi fighter in 40 years to win a USA Boxing National title. Jesse Benavides was the last Corpus Christi fighter to accomplish this feat.
Delgado credits his success to his rigorous training routine and the support of his coach, Robert Gutierrez. He trains six days a week, dedicating hours to training, recovery, and preparation.
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“The three losses that I have, each one, I've taken so much and I've learned so much from it. And, I’ve used it to just pour it into my training and pour it into my fighting,” Delgado said.
Now he’s got his chance to compete for a spot on Team USA Boxing in the Olympic Trials in Lafayette, Louisiana. Team USA will compete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Summer Games.
Amateur Achievements of Julian "King Julian" Delgado
| Championship | Number of Times |
|---|---|
| Corpus Christi Golden Glove Champion | 2 |
| Texas State Golden Glove Champion | 2 |
| National Golden Glove Champion | 1 |
Delgado said if people look up to him now, he’s excited about what inspiration he’ll be if he brings gold back from Paris.
“I have the community behind me 100 percent," Delgado said. "People here genuinely just want to see me succeed. And, they watch my videos on social media and people, they just like, man we want to see that kid win."
Professional Debut
Delgado's dream of fighting as a professional became a reality on April 13 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi. He faced Juan Tamez from Laredo in the Middleweight division.
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“It’s happening. My first fight," Delgado said. "My first professional fight on the largest platform in the boxing industry, Top Rank.”
Walking out to "Como la Flor" by Selena, Delgado was greeted by a supportive crowd. He dominated the fight, showcasing his experience and aggression.
"That was awesome and it was just as good as I envisioned and dreamed about," Delgado said. "I played that moment in the shower, driving home from the gym late at night. I played this moment in my head over and over and it was even better."
Delgado won his professional debut by unanimous decision in four rounds. He expressed his determination to continue fighting regularly and contribute to the growth of boxing in Corpus Christi.
"Corpus Christi has so much potential and so much beauty," Delgado said.
The 22-year-old joins Coastal Bend native and 25-year-old John Rincon, who earned another opportunity to fight at the American Bank Center after winning last fall. Rincon brings an (8-0) record with 2 knockouts.
“I fought back here on September 15 at the American Bank Center on Top Rank ESPN, and it’s another opportunity," Rincon, Welterweight division boxer, said. "This time expect a better performance. I’m here to make a statement.”
Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather and Muhammad Ali are all boxers that participated in Top Rank. Now two Coastal Bend natives are putting their name on the card, looking to become hometown heroes on Saturday, April 13 at the American Bank Center.
Headlining the main event for the WBO and WBC USA Heavyweight titles is the Number 7-ranked Heavyweight in the world Jared Anderson against the former Cruiserweight champion Ryad Merhy.