'I'm back and ready': Corpus Christi's John Rincon ready to rejuvenate himself as top fighter
John Rincon's journey back to boxing has been one of the most gratifying, yet hardest challenges since he put on gloves for the first time nearly 20 years ago.
The passing of his father and trainer Rene Rincon in 2021, devastated the Corpus Christi native and forced him to give up the sport three years after turning pro.
Fast forward to 2023 and Rincon is back in the ring and re-establishing himself as one of Corpus Christi's prized fighters. Rincon's reason for returning? It's what his dad would have wanted.
"I know that's what he would want me to do," Rincon said of his return to boxing. "My wife, my kids... They've all helped me get back here.
"It was tough losing my dad because he was my trainer for 17 years and he was in my corner for every fight. But I know what I have to do now. I'm back."
Fighting on the big stage
Rincon, who is perhaps one of Corpus Christi's top professional fighters since the 1980s, will complete his comeback to boxing in front of his hometown crowd on Friday at the American Bank Center.
Rincon, 24, will be featured as part of several fights leading up to Friday's Top Rank IBF featherweight title fight between Joet Gonzalez and Luis Alberto Lopez.
Rincon's opponent will be Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera who is a top prospect from Puerto Rico and is currently 4-1.
The fights will be broadcasted live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.
Legendary boxing promotor Lester Bedford said the fight could surpass more than a million viewers with the fights scheduled during primetime and airing on ESPN.
"It's an opportunity of a lifetime, especially being able to fight in front of my fans in my hometown," Rincon said. "I'm ready."
Back in the ring
Rincon became a professional fighter on Nov. 16. 2018 in Oklahoma City after capturing two Texas state golden gloves championships and has posted a professional record of 7-0 with two knockouts.
Rincon did not fight in 2021, but was active for two fights in 2022 and won both to remain unbeaten. He is now fighting for the first time in 14 months.
Rincon will also be stepping up to six-round status for the first time in his career. Previously, he had seven fights scheduled for four rounds, five of which went the distance.
"Even when I wasn't fighting, it was on my mind everyday," Rincon said. "Losing a father, especially a father and a coach was tough. I've been boxing since I was 5 and I can't give up now."
Since Rincon's return, he's prepared himself by sparring and running with an alarm scheduled for 4 a.m.
Rincon has mainly trained in San Antonio, but still resides in Corpus Christi.
"Training is always tough, but I'm still waking up at 4 a.m. to get my miles in," Rincon said. "I'm putting in the hard work and I'm ready. I want to win. I will win."
Making an impression
Rincon knows a win in front of Top Rank could throw his name in the mix for more opportunities as he continues his quest for a world championship.
But even with the thousands of spectators and millions watching around the world, Rincon still wants to be himself when he steps into the ring.
"It's all about being ready going in there and following my game plan," Rincon said. "Much respect to my opponent, but I want to win. I expect a great performance and I'm just ready to win.
"I've been putting in the hard work my whole life and I know if I continue to do what I am doing, I know for a fact I am going to make it."
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: John Rincon ready to rejuvenate himself as Corpus Christi's top fighter
