Rene Jacquot

Biography

Rene Jacquot, born on July 28, 1961, in Toul, France, is a name that resonates deeply within the French boxing community. His professional career, which spanned from February 25, 1983, to November 30, 1990, was marked by significant achievements, including becoming a world champion.

Jacquot's journey into boxing was not extensively documented in terms of an amateur career, but his professional debut was a notable start. On February 25, 1983, he defeated Richard Bankeu via a points decision in Nancy, France, setting the stage for a promising career. Jacquot's rise to prominence was gradual but marked by determination and resilience. He worked his way up through the ranks, often taking on lesser-known opponents and occasionally facing setbacks. However, his breakthrough came when he won the vacant European super welterweight title by defeating Luigi Minchillo via TKO in the fourth round on January 29, 1988.

This victory showcased his growing skillset and positioned him for more considerable challenges. The most significant moment of his career arrived on February 11, 1989, when he upset the WBC super welterweight champion, Donald Curry, in a unanimous decision at the Palais des Sports in Grenoble, France. This historic win ended a 30-fight losing streak for French boxers in world title bouts and made Jacquot the first French world champion in over three decades.

Jacquot's reign as WBC champion was short-lived. On July 8, 1989, he lost the title in his first defence to John Mugabi via a first-round TKO. Despite this setback, he continued to face top-tier opponents. In July 1990, he challenged Terry Norris for the WBC light middleweight title but lost via a unanimous decision.

His final bout was against Gianfranco Rosi on November 30, 1990, for the IBF light middleweight title, which he also lost by unanimous decision.

Jacquot demonstrated a strong chin and willingness to take on the best throughout his career, compiling a professional record of 26 wins, 12 losses, and one draw. His victories included 12 knockouts, showcasing his ability to finish fights with power.

Jacquot's journey was remarkable, from working odd jobs between fights to becoming a world champion. His upset victory over Donald Curry remains one of the most memorable moments in French boxing history, marking a turning point for French fighters on the global stage. Despite facing a series of tough opponents towards the end of his career, Jacquot's legacy as a trailblazer for French boxing continues to inspire new generations of fighters.