Daniel Jimenez

Biography

Daniel "La Cobra" Jiménez, born on November 21, 1969, in Camuy, Puerto Rico, carved out a unique legacy in boxing through his achievements and his reputation for resilience. Known for his technical ability and sharp reflexes, Jiménez's career was marked by world championship triumphs and one particularly remarkable moment that earned him a place in boxing history.

Jiménez turned professional on June 6, 1988, but his career began on a difficult note with a third-round TKO loss to Wilfredo Vargas at the Sands Hotel & Casino in San Juan. The setback, however, became the foundation of his determination. Over the next few years, Jiménez developed his craft, steadily rising through the ranks in the super bantamweight division.

The pinnacle of his career came on October 18, 1993, in London, where he captured the WBO Super Bantamweight Title by defeating Duke McKenzie via unanimous decision. This victory made him a world champion and set the stage for a memorable reign. Jiménez defended his title four times, including a historic defence on September 3, 1994, against Harald Geier. That night, in a bout held in Vienna, Austria, Jiménez delivered a crushing knockout just 17 seconds into the first round, setting a world record for the fastest KO in a championship fight—a feat that remains a benchmark in the sport.

His run as champion ended on December 2, 1995, when he faced the highly skilled Marco Antonio Barrera in San Antonio, Texas. Barrera, known for his aggression and technical excellence, proved too much for Jiménez, who lost his title via a unanimous decision. The defeat prompted Jiménez to move down to the bantamweight division, seeking new opportunities.

In 1996, Jiménez demonstrated his adaptability by winning the WBO Bantamweight Title with a decision victory over Alfred Kotey, showcasing his ability to compete at a lighter weight. However, his time in the division was short-lived. He defended the belt once before losing it to Robbie Regan on October 19, 1996, in Cardiff, Wales, in a close contest.

The later years of Jiménez's career were challenging. After losing his titles, he remained active but struggled to regain his earlier form. Following a series of defeats, Jiménez retired on August 30, 2002, after a fifth-round TKO loss to Edelmiro Martinez at the Park Theatre in Union City, New Jersey. His professional record stood at 30 wins, 13 losses, and 1 draw, with 15 knockouts.