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Esteban De JesusPuerto Rican professional boxer
Date of Birth: 02.08.1951
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Estebán De Jesús: Puerto Rican Boxing Legend
- Title Contender and Lightweight Champion
- Title Defenses and Loss of Title
- Later Career and Tragic End
- Personal Life and Death
Estebán De Jesús: Puerto Rican Boxing Legend
Early Career and Rise to StardomEstebán De Jesús, a Puerto Rican professional boxer, embarked on his fighting journey in February 1969. His early career was marked by a significant setback in December 1972 when he lost to Antonio Gómez. However, he rebounded strongly in November 1972, defeating the undefeated WBA lightweight champion Roberto Durán in a non-title bout. This victory propelled De Jesús into the limelight.
Title Contender and Lightweight Champion
In February 1973, De Jesús continued his winning streak by defeating the undefeated Ray Lampkin. In March 1974, he faced Durán in a rematch, this time for the lightweight title. Despite sending Durán to the canvas in the first round, De Jesús was ultimately knocked out in the 11th round.
In May 1976, De Jesús captured the WBC lightweight title by defeating champion Guts Ishimatsu on points. He further solidified his dominance with a knockout victory over undefeated Hector Julio Medina in September 1976.
Title Defenses and Loss of Title
De Jesús successfully defended his title twice in 1977, knocking out Shinichi "Buzzsaw" Yamabe and Vicente Saldivar, who were both undefeated at the time. However, his reign came to an end in January 1978 when Durán defeated him by knockout in the 12th round of their third encounter.
Later Career and Tragic End
In July 1980, De Jesús suffered another setback, losing by knockout to WBC welterweight champion Saoul Mamby. His boxing career gradually declined after this defeat.
Personal Life and Death
Outside the ring, De Jesús' life took a tragic turn. In 1981, he was convicted of shooting a teenager and sentenced to life in prison. While incarcerated, he became addicted to heroin and contracted HIV from sharing needles with other inmates. Estebán De Jesús passed away in prison in May 1989.
