'It's a dream come true': Corpus Christi's Julian Delgado ready for pro boxing debut

Julian Delgado couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to fight as a pro when he took up boxing shortly after graduating from King High School in 2020.

The 22-year-old from Corpus Christi made it his goal the moment he won his first fight and hasn't looked back since.

"I want to be a pro one day," Delgado told the Caller-Times at the time. "Right now my focus training for the Olympic trails and then I'll worry about being a pro."

Fast forward to 2024 and Delgado has soared through the boxing ranks, he is now set to make his professional debut in front of his home crowd during Saturday's Top Rank event at the American Bank Center.

Delgado, who is 33-4 with a National Golden Gloves title on his resumé, becomes the first Corpus Christi fighter since John Rincon to fight in a Top Rank event.

"I'm just really excited," Delgado said. "I'm at peace and I'm so confident in the fact that there's nothing more I could have done to prepare for this fight. Fighting on national TV in front of thousands, my mind is blank. I'm at peace but at the same time, I'm very excited."

More: What to know ahead of Saturday's Top Rank boxing event at the American Bank Center

Delgado has not shied away from his rigorous training routine as he prepares for this weekend. Delgado continues to dedicate six days out of the week to strength training, running, fighting fundamentals and boxing.

In fact, Delgado has been able to train alongside Rincon, who Delgado has kept in contact with since joining the boxing scene at a young age.

"I feel good and I'm just in cruise control already," Delgado said. "I'm doing these workouts to keep my body active. Me and John have a mutual respect for each other and we help get each other better for our opponents. I have respect for John and it's nice being able to show the community that there's a lot of talent and it's possible to make a name for yourself. His fans and my fans are both representing Corpus Christ and that's the way it should be."

Delgado's opponent on Saturday will be south paw Juan Tamez from Laredo.

Delgado said Tamez wasn't originally his opponent but that changed when two previous fighters pulled out from the fight.

"This will be his second pro fight and he's 1-0," Delgado said of Tamez. "He has the advantage as far as being there before and this being my first time. Regardless, I don't take anyone lightly. I'm fighting this opponent and as if (it) was a world title fight. I'm ready to leave my heart and soul on the line."

More: 'This is what I love to do': Corpus Christi boxer Julian Delgado sets eyes on Olympics

Delgado said he received the call from Top Rank four weeks ago and did his best to keep his composure. Even though he was excited for the opportunity, he couldn't help but think back on his hard work and dedication that has gotten him to this point of his life.

Delgado recorded 30 wins in his first 18 months fighting, won two Corpus Christi golden glove championships and became the first Corpus Christi fighter in 40 years to claim a USA Boxing National title.

"It means everything," Delgado said. "I'm still trying to tell myself it's happening because it feels too good to be true. It feels like a movie and a dream. Ten years from now I will look back and I couldn't be more thankful. This is what I've been dreaming about and it's not a dream anymore."

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi's Julian Delgado to make pro boxing debut in front of home crowd