Camarena Retires

By Moncayo Blackbull

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DENVER (IB-April 18, 2009) - Champion Donald Camarena was to headline an April show but has decided to retire from the ring.

Camarena a crafty southpaw possesses all the skill to become a world champion, with only a handful of amateur fights under his belt he managed to become a respectable professional. 15 amateur fights to be exact but that’s all it took for him to win back-to-back-to-back Texas Golden Gloves. As a professional Camarena accomplished much, winning 5 regional titles that included the WBC’s World Youth, Continental Americas, and Mundo Hispano crowns.

Camarena knocked on the door to world championship when he fought and made more than a respectable battle against Paulie Malignaggi, Herman Ngoudjo and Timothy Bradley. Camarena also served as Floyd Mayweather’s chief sparring partner on a number of occasions.

Not ready or willing to call it a career, Camarena is faced with the reality of life without a boxing career. Pulling the plug on a boxing career which still had the possibility of success was not easy, but life is more than boxing. And in Camarena’s case, boxing posed a danger to his health and well being.

About a year ago Camarena experienced a seizure, not having any history of seizures or this type of illness, along with months going by without any problems, Camarena continues in his training.

It was several months when Camarena experienced another episode and being in the profession he is, this became a big concern for Camarena, his family and boxing team. A visit to the hospital with a multitude of tests, including cat scans and MRI’s did not show any problems as all test returned negative.

Months went by without any complications and Camarena returned to training. It was felt everything may be ok but it would be something to keep an eye on but he may be able to resume to boxing.

Camarena begin preparing for his next fight against Able Perry. Weeks and weeks of training including the sparring went on without any complications or even a hint of disorder.

The contest went 8 rounds with Camarena winning a unanimous decision. After a few days off, Camarena goes back into training for his next bout scheduled for April 18^th. It was during this time when another seizure took place.

After consulting with his family and trainer, it was decided, regardless if the seizures had anything to do with his boxing, it was time to retire. The team felt it was not worth any risks to the health of Camarena, for the physical aspect invoked with boxing certainly would not help his situation. It was recommended to Camarena to hang up the gloves and call it a career.

The seizures for Camarena are attributed to “trauma to the head” and because he is a professional boxer, one would think boxing is the main cultrate but in fact the damage came one evening when Donald was out with his lady. What started as a nice enjoyable evening quickly turned ugly when bouncers of a local club turned violent against Camarena. Not only was Camarena outnumbered but nowhere near 100% to be fist fighting. Needless to say, while on the ground the bouncers proceeded to sadistically kick Camarena in the head. Witnesses said even band members joined in with the onslaught. Camarena spent several months nursing himself back to good health. As it turns out,  this brutal beating would end his boxing career.

For Camarena, the departure of boxing was not an easy one for a dream of becoming a world champion will not happen.

Camarena may be retiring from competition but will not be absent from the game as Aurelio Martinez, Camarena’s trainer and manager will turn over the reins of head trainer for Catacombs Boxing.

“Donald has all the tools and knowledge to teach young up-and-coming fighters what it takes to compete in this sport of boxing. I feel extremely confident Donald will supersede any expectations. “

Donald would like to thank all his fans, family and anyone and everyone who followed his career,

“It’s a tough game, one that I love dearly. My departure from ring competition hurts more than I can explain. I think about it every day, I also believe things happen for a reason. Maybe the Lord is sending me a message saying I’ve had enough, it’s time to stop and take care of my kids, for my future is their future.”

“To my mom and dad, brothers and sisters, my trainer and team members, Thank you all for being there when I needed you, I love you all. All you future champions get ready cause I’ll be pushing you to the extreme in the gym.”