10.05.05 – After a very successful 9-year career in boxing, which includes 18 titles and three spots on the USA Women’s Amateur Boxing Team, New Mexico’s own Stephanie “Golden Girl” Jaramillo announces her retirement. Although she may be hanging up her gloves and stepping out of the ring, she is not leaving the sport she still loves.
Jaramillo is moving to the other side of the ropes to begin promoting an opportunity to fully utilize her experience earned in over 50 fights, coupled with her continuing passion to advance the sport. She wants to push for both bigger fights and larger purses for women’s boxing.
While the announcement may come as a shock to many who believe she is not even at her peak yet, Jaramillo is satisfied with her career, stating, “I’ve reached the goals that I set for myself and even more. I am looking at my future and at the big picture: I walk away now as a winner; young, strong, on top and ready for the next great challenge.”
The new inductee to the Amateur Athletic World Hall of Fame Museum for Outstanding Boxing Achievement, Jaramillo sees more potential to grow the sport, especially women’s boxing, by focusing that experience and passion outside the ring. “I know I can have more impact on the sport now by working behind the scenes,” says Jaramillo. This move reflects her love for boxing and her determination to stay involved in and contribute to the sport’s growth, fighting outside the ring for the boxers.
To help fund her new endeavor as a professional boxing promoter, Jaramillo will be putting more energy into her company, AmeriStar Construction, Inc., of which she is Vice President. Her company has expanded multiple times over the years, its evolution and success in many ways paralleling her boxing career. Says Jaramillo, “If not for the sweat and tears and hard work of my mother and father, the company would not be where it is today.Ôáü Now President Ricky Jaramillo, his wife Angela Jaramillo, and Stephanie run the business.
The “Golden Girl” wishes to express her deepest thanks to: Everyone who has helped from day one of the Amateur days; All the members of the media who have offered unwavering support; Each and EVERY one of the opponents, without whom Stephanie would not have been able to climb the ladder of success; Each and EVERY one of the Fans who have provided undying support and love!!! Everlast, for their sponsorship since day one, for keeping her protected and looking sharp every step of the way;
Irene Garcia, for the foundation of her boxing skills; Lorenzo Brown, for sharing his knowledge; Ray Lopez; Floyd Mayweather, Sr., the best trainer in the world, for teaching every aspect of boxing, inside and outside of the ring; Pat Holmes, for his love, support and knowledge of the sport; And last but most importantly, for their unconditional love and support in every endeavor and decision: Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister-in-Law, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, Nephew Shaw, Niece Shawntel, for making her who she is today and ensuring her success.