#1 Ranked Bermudez Retires From Boxing

For every boxer there comes a time when they have to decide whether they can continue to dedicate the time and energy it takes to be a top ranked fighter. To compete at a high level it takes a lot of dedication, sacrifice, and time.  After a lot of consideration, David Bermudez the #1 ranked Jr Middleweight from East Bay Regional Parks P.D. has made the tough decision to retire as an amateur boxer. With a growing family and a promotion at work he does not have the time needed to train, travel to different gyms for sparring, etc.  Although, boxing fans will miss out on one of the best Public Safety boxing matches, Bermudez vs. Jorge Caamal, LASD (rematch) we wish him and his family the best.

1.  How did you know it was time to retire?

I knew it was time when I got thumped and dropped in sparring and all I could think about was my baby girls as I was trying to recover.  I knew God was telling me something when that went through my mind.  That has never happened before.

2. If Freddie Roach, Robert Garcia, or Virgil Hunter agreed to train you for one fight would you postpone your retirement?

Wow, that would be SUPER tempting, but I would have to say no.

3. If you could have one more fight who would it be against?  Why do I think I can answer this one?

Of course Jorge. (Caamal)  I still believe I won the fight. But that’s in the past and it was a great time. I wish him the best if he decides to go pro.  Maybe also the boxer from Air Force I “lost” to in the finals in the National Tournament my junior year.

4. What is your most memorable experience in boxing?

Most memorable experience was being part of the UNLV Boxing Team and being a two time All American. I met so many great people and had awesome coaches. I’ll never forget it. Also being a coach brings a lot of fulfillment. I’m happy to represent the sport.

5.   Who was your toughest fight?

National Tournament my junior year, semifinals. I fought the returning National Champion and beat him by decision when I wasn’t even ranked. That guy hit like a truck!

6.   Toughest sparring partners?

Anthony “The Aztec Warrior” Martinez out of Las Vegas, NV.

Jonathan “Jonmac” Macalolooy out of Union City, CA.

Jose “The Punisher” Perez out of Fremont CA

Joaquin “Killer” Gallardo out of Oakland CA

Now those guys were tough and taught me A LOT :0)

7. You are not walking away from boxing completely, you want to coach?

Yes, I am currently looking for a place to coach in the Bay Area, preferably the East Bay.

8. What are your goals as a trainer?

One day training a champion. Whether it’s a regional champ, state champ, national champ, or world champ. But most importantly, guiding a fighter in being a productive citizen through the lessons boxing can instill upon someone.

On a personal note, David needed sparring for a USA Boxing fight he was having and he asked me to come to his gym in Pleasanton and give him a few rounds.  I consider David and I to be good friends. After we warmed up and got into the ring our friendship went out the window. When the bell rings David flips a switch and you are now his enemy. After a minute of taking a pounding I realized he was trying to kill me and I had to survive 4 rounds, I only lasted three. David is a pressure fighter and makes you fight every second of every round. There is no escaping and he doesn’t like it when you tie him up. For three, 3 min rounds ( 30 second rest) David tried to punch holes through me. When the sparring was over David was back to his old self, talking, joking and laughing. We sparred a handful of times after our initial sparring session and I thought I was prepared for him but I wasn’t. Bermudez is a beast! He is also a good man, husband, father and friend.