José Becerra

Jesus "José" Becerra (15 April 1936 – 6 August 2016) was a Mexican professional boxer. He became the Undisputed Bantamweight World Champion in 1959. He was known as the Guadalajara Cobra.

Becerra was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, the youngest of the five children. His parents were Maria Covarrubias and Jesus Becerra. At age 12, in the 5th grade, Becerra quit school to work in a carriage repair shop.

Professional career Becerra received his first public notice in the Mexican sports world by scoring an upset over the vastly more experienced Manuel Armenteros. After some ups and downs, Becerra earned a top 10 ranking by knocking out former world champion Mario D'Agata. A short time later, Becerra won the Undisputed World Bantamweight Championship with a knockout over Alphonse Halimi.

After two successful title defenses, Becerra lost a stunning upset, being knocked out by club-fighter Eloy Sanchez in a non-title fight. Becerra was so dejected by the defeat that he announced his retirement at age 24.

In 1962, Mexican club fighter, Rudy Coronado was seriously injured in a fight. On a special benefit show for Coronado and his family, Becerra returned to the ring and won a 6-round decision over Alberto Martinez. Becerra donated his fight-purse to the injured boxer's family. Becerra never fought again.

Professional boxing record

Titles in boxing Major world titles NYSAC bantamweight champion (118 lbs) NBA (WBA) bantamweight champion (118 lbs)

The Ring magazine titles The Ring bantamweight champion (118 lbs)

Undisputed titles Undisputed bantamweight champion

Exhibition Tour

As world champion, Becerra went on a successful exhibition tour which drew big crowds. The tour was as follows:

1959: Sept. 1-Sandy Garcia, Fresno, CA......Exch. 4 rounds 1959: Date ?-Joe Vargas, Stockton, CA.......Exch. TKO 3 rounds 1959: Sept.8- Willie Sanchez, San Jose, CA..Exch. 2 rounds 1959: Sept.8-Cy Ruiz, San Jose, CA.........Exch. 2 rounds 1959: Sept.9-Eduardo Santos, El Paso, TX....Exch. 4 rounds 1959: Sept.?-Jessie Leija, San Antonio, TX..Exch. 4 rounds 1959: Sept.14-Henry Miramontes, Dallas, TX..Exch. 4 rounds