Jeremy Bates (boxer)

Jeremy Bates (born January 12 1974, in Argillite, Kentucky) is an American heavyweight boxer. Nicknamed "The Beast", Bates was a moderately successful fighter who fought several other journeyman fighters of his era. Bates has become something of a "comeback" opponent for veteran fighters such as Holyfield, Golota, and Meehan.

Professional boxing career

Early career

Bates turned professional in 1999 and fought mainly journeyman fighters, losing to prospect Andre Purlette in 2001. Bates later lost to Sedreck Fields, Kirk Johnson, Leo Nolan, Brian Minto, and Ray Austin before his first retirement.

The Holyfield fight

Bates was persuaded to postpone his retirement when he was given an opportunity to fight four time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield. On August 18, 2006 in a 10 round bout at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the 44 year old Holyfield dominated the fight which was stopped in the second round after Holyfield landed about 20 consecutive punches on Bates. The events prior too, and the fight itself are documented in Evander Holyfields new book "Becoming Holyfield".

Retirement from boxing

Bates retired with a record of 21 wins, 13 losses and 1 draw, with 18 wins by knockout. Post boxing, Bates began a successful career as a full-time insurance sales professional. Bates is currently employed at the United States Enrichment Corporation. (USEC) is a Uranium gaseous diffusion plant in Portsmouth OH.

Coming out of retirement

Bates would come out of retirement to face Guillermo Jones, Andrew Golota, Odlanier Solis, Kevin Rainey, and most recently Kali Meehan. All of those fights, with the exception of Bates' bout with Kevin Rainey, would be losses. Currently, Bates' record stands at 22 wins, 16 losses and 1 draw, with 18 wins by knockout.

External links

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* [http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2551262 ESPN Article on Bates]