Background Information:
In 2018, at the age of thirty-six, Raymundo Beltran clinched the World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight championship title by defeating Paulus Moses. However, his subsequent defense of this title was unsuccessful, with Jose "Sniper" Pedraza taking the crown. Not deterred, Beltran transitioned to the light-welterweight division, where he bested the Japanese boxer Hirokada, earning both the WBC Continental Americas and WBO Inter-Continental light-welterweight titles. As of October 2021, even at the age of forty, Beltran continues to actively compete and has expressed no intentions of retiring in recent interviews.
Beyond his notable boxing career, Beltran's background adds another layer of intrigue. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, he entered the United States without documentation as a young child. Reflecting his unique identity as an immigrant, Beltran prominently features the American flag on his boxing trunks. This decision is significant, as Mexican-American boxers who display the American flag on their gear often face criticism, accused of sidelining their Latino heritage. Through his choices in and out of the ring, Beltran challenges stereotypes, revealing both his dedication to the sport and his complex identity.
Boxing stands alone as a globally significant sport that is not under the umbrella of any governing organization. It functions within a hypercapitalist and gig economy-based framework, where, unlike athletes in other sports, boxers don’t receive a salary or a minimum wage per fight. This structure potentially exploits boxers due to the lack of stable income, but it also provides opportunities for immigrants to enter the sport and earn a living, as exemplified by Ray Beltran, an immigrant boxer making a living in the United States through boxing.
Boxing can also serve as a pathway to legal status in the United States. Raymundo Beltran, for instance, aimed to secure an employment-based immigration EB-1 visa, commonly known as the Einstein Visa, which requires demonstrating exceptional skill in a specific field—boxing, in this case. This visa gained prominence when former first lady Melania Trump secured her legalization in the United States through it. The challenging nature of obtaining legal status has made boxing a beacon for immigrants like Beltran, who sought a better life in the U.S. compared to his native Mexico.
Beltran expresses his appreciation for the opportunities in the U.S. by showcasing both American and Mexican flags on his boxing trunks, symbolizing the immigrant experience. He uses his platform to advocate for diligent immigrants deserving of citizenship, giving a voice to the immigrant community across the United States.
Persistence and determination are embedded in the mindset of boxers like Beltran, who felt that quitting was not an option as boxing was his singular path to success and legal residency in the U.S., particularly in Arizona, a state known for its stringent anti-immigrant policies. Overcoming these challenges, Beltran pursued boxing to gain legal status and make a living.
Originally aspiring to study nutrition, Beltran was impeded by potential deportation and turned to boxing as his alternative. He earned his keep as Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partner, developing an "I can't quit" mentality due to his lack of a safety net. While boxing was initially a financial necessity for Beltran, he also utilized it as a platform to advocate for significant causes, such as representing the plight of the forty-three missing students in Mexico and sacrificing sponsorships and purses to represent his roots. This illustrates how boxing can serve as a platform for immigrants, particularly those of Mexican descent, to make impactful statements despite their financial constraints.
In conclusion, the unique structure of boxing offers both challenges and opportunities for athletes, especially immigrant boxers like Raymundo Beltran. It’s a sport, a platform for advocacy, and a pathway to a better life. The story of Beltran illustrates the complexities and possibilities inherent in boxing, shedding light on the experiences of immigrant athletes in the U.S.
WORK CITED
Mondragon, R. M. (n.d.). Sporting Representation of El Salvador’s First World Champion: El Famoso and his Boxing Robe as Material Culture. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
Gunter, J. (2018, March 2). What is the Einstein Visa? and how did Melania Trump get one? BBC News. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43256318
Employment-based immigration: First preference EB-1. USCIS. (2022, March 1). Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1
Mondragon, R. (n.d.). Boxing Ring Entrances as Insubordinate Spaces: A Disruptive Oral History. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.rudymondragon.com/academic-writing
Kriegel, M. (2018, February 9). Raymundo Beltran: The fighter and his Shadow. ESPN. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/22383705/raymundo-beltran-fighter-shadow
Kriegel, M. (2018, February 9). Raymundo Beltran: The fighter and his Shadow. ESPN. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/22383705/raymundo-beltran-fighter-shadow
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