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

Before Julian Delgado was turning heads as a National Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, the 22-year-old King High School graduate was establishing himself as a successful wrestler.

Delgado qualified for the UIL Class 5A state tournament three times with the Mustangs and won a gold medal at the 18th-annual Cy Fair Wrestling Championship his senior season.

"I had a successful high school wrestling career and my dream was to wrestle my way to a Division I college and one day, wrestle in the Olympics," Delgado said. "I pursued it and even wrestled for six months at Iowa Western Junior College."

Delgado could have easily kept his foot on the wrestling gas pedal, but for personal reasons and things not working out in college, he decided to return home to Corpus Christi and pursue his passion for landscaping.

It didn't take long for Delgado's competitive nature to arise and after two weeks, Delgado found himself wanting to try something that would help ease the stress and anxiety that began to brew in his life.

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Welcome to the ring

Delgado decided to turn to boxing for a way to relieve that stress, so he used his cell phone to google local gyms in Corpus Christi.

Delgado stumbled upon several, but it wasn't until he discovered the Corpus Christi Police Officer Association Boxing Club that allowed him to finally feel peace.

"I came home and I still had that athlete and competitive spirit in me," Delgado said. "A part of me was dealing with depression, being 19, not knowing if I was doing the right thing... Things like that. I needed a way to relieve some of the personal things going on in my life.

"I remember working out at Crunch Fitness and I saw two boxers working with hand mitts and something persuaded me to introduce himself. I went and talked to them and they told me about CCPOA and it felt right."

Delgado discontinued his landscaping business to pursue boxing fulltime and within weeks, he was preparing for fights. In fact, Delgado had a sparring session his first night in the gym and began to show signs of his potential.

Delgado's dream of wrestling in the Olympics quickly shifted to doing so as a fighter.

"I am in a much better place now," Delgado said. "Now I am training and fighting out of pure happiness and doing something I love. Everything fell into place and someway, somehow, I was led here by God."

Delgado has also had the support of his older brother, who gained interest in fighting after watching him fight.

Jesus Delgado, who lives in Florida and is a firefighter, won his first fight earlier this month and plans to keep fighting alongside his brother.

"My brother started after watching me box," Delgado said. " That was strictly because of his hard work. I don't know his intentions right now, but he's definitely motivated."

18 months

Most fighters with 30 career boxing wins have dedicated years of training but for Delgado, he's been able to compile a 30-2 record in less than two years.

Delgado has been boxing for 18 months and has already captured two Corpus Christi Golden Glove championships, two Texas State Golden Glove Championships and recently, a National Golden Glove championship.

Delgado became the first Corpus Christi fighter in 40 years to win a USA Boxing National title. Jesse Benavides was the last Corpus Christi fighter to accomplish the feat.

"Every second of everyday, for the last 18 months, has revolved around training, eating, sleeping, recovering and fighting," Delgado said. "I don't smoke, drink or do anything outside of boxing. I don't have a problem with that because I am in love with the grind of boxing. When people hear me say that, they don't understand how I do it, but to me it's a lifestyle. It's what I have to do."

Delgado trains six days a week for four hours, which includes a two-hour morning session and two hours in the evening. He also uses two hours for recovery.

Delgado attributes his quick success to his training routine and the support of his coach Robert Gutierrez, who has been by his side throughout his boxing journey.

"The success I've had wouldn't be possible without his guidance," Delgado said. "He makes sure I get to and from competition. Whether it's San Antonio or Houston, he takes the time to be there for me in my corner."

What's next?

Delgado's goal now is to box in the Olympics, but as a 156-pound fighter.

Delgado, who has competed in the 176-pound weight class and is currently 166 pounds, has his eyes set on USA Boxing Last Chance Qualifiers scheduled for September in Colorado.

Delgado has already qualified as a 176-pound fighter, but since he is moving down in weight, he must fight again and requalify.

A first or second place finish will grant Delgado an invitation to the Olympic trials, which will open the door for him to have a chance at making Team USA.

"Right now, the driving factor to waking up everyday is me becoming a gold medalist," Delgado said. "Never in the history of Corpus Christi has it been done and I get chills thinking about it. I want to make Team USA and then I will worry about becoming a pro and world champion."

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi boxer Julian Delgado sets eyes on Olympic gold medal