Juan “The Baby Bull” Diaz announced his retirement today via a open letter to fans. The former unified light weight champion had a great career and gave fans thrilling bouts, most notably his 2009 fight of the year with current lightweight king Juan Manuel Marquez. Below is the letter Diaz sent out officially announcing his retirement.
Dear Fans and Friends,
After 110 amateur fights, 39 professional fights, and 19 years of sparring, training, and everything that comes with being a competitive athlete, I am announcing my retirement from boxing. This is not a decision that I take lightly. However, after extensive consultation with my family and team, we agreed that is time for me to hang up my gloves and transition into the next stage of my professional life.
I am blessed to have won 13 National Gold Medals, two National Silver Medals, four World Championships – which I successfully defended six times – and fought in the 2009 Fight of the Year. I also was awarded a spot on the 2000 Mexican National Olympic Team. Along the way, I competed against many of the top fighters in the lightweight division, and I always put my heart into every fight. I could not have asked for a better career.
While boxing, I maintained a full-time academic schedule, graduating from high school and earning my college degree from the University of Houston. I’ve always thought of myself as a student first, and a boxer second, and I am just as proud of my academic achievements as I am of my boxing accomplishments. Along the way, I promised my family and myself that I would retire from boxing as soon as the time was right. So, even though my heart still has the fire to compete, the wars in the ring have taken their toll and it’s time for me to make good on that promise.
First, and most importantly, I would like to thank my wife and parents for all of their love, support, and encouragement throughout my career. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I also would like to thank my brother, Jose, for his friendship and loyalty. He has been with me from the start, and he is my best friend and biggest supporter. My team of Willie and Clara Savannah, Ronnie Shields, Derwin Richards, Creed Fountain and Brian Caldwell get much of the credit for my success. They always guided me right and had my best interests in mind. It’s hard to imagine a better team. Finally, I want to thank all of my fans for their love and support. My career has had many highlights, but I never was more humbled than when I entered the ring at the Houston Toyota Center to a packed house full of cheering, supportive fans. I always will remember that.
Though my career in the ring is over, my passion for boxing, sports, and education continues. My company, Baby Bull LLC, has partnered with PTS Media and ESPN Deportes 1180 AM in Houston to produce, “The Baby Bull Show,” which airs every Friday at 1 pm CST. With co-hosts Ken Garcia and Enrique Vasquez, we discuss everything boxing. Recent guests have included Joel Casamayor, Saul Alvarez, Brandon Rios, Mike Lee, Kermit Cintron, and my good friend and trainer, Ronnie Shields. Our plans include expanding to other major markets over the next year. Until then, we will post recordings of our show on our soon-to-be launched website, www.babybull.com. Look for it soon.
Also, Baby Bull LLC is developing Baby Bull Soccer, which will bring professional-level coaching to both recreational and advanced players. We have great community support, and this platform will give me an opportunity to help young athletes realize their own goals and dreams.
Of course, I continue to build JD Trucking with my brother, Jose. If you need something hauled or shipped, contact the Baby Bull!
Finally, I plan on continuing my academic career and pursuing an advanced degree. Who knows, you may see me in the courtroom or boardroom, yet.
Gracias, again, to my fans for your continued support and encouragement. Please stay in touch. You can follow me on Twitter: @1Babybull.
Though my fighting career is ending, in many ways, it feels like my professional career is just beginning.
All the best,
Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz
