Jordan Fuentes knows what it really means to win and lose

Bantamweight Jordan Fuentes is set to embark on the second act of his career—his professional career—after winning the Olympic Trials following the tragic death of his sister, Jolissa Fuentes.

Fuentes will enter the professional ring for the first time on Saturday, having signed with Golden Boy Promotions, to fight 30-year-old James Mulder (0-2) of Antioch, Calif., in a four-round bout, on the Serhii Bohachuk-Vergil Ortiz undercard from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

While a pro debut is typically a significant but ordinary milestone, for 18-year-old Fuentes, it symbolizes resilience in the face of family tragedy. Since his sister’s disappearance and death, Fuentes has lost only once, a decision he feels was unjust against Cornellio Phipps in Lubbock, Texas, in 2023. Struggling to articulate his emotions about what he takes into the ring with him, Fuentes shared:

“Just the feeling of losing someone,” Fuentes said. “All these emotions, they’re just different than the level I was thinking on before. I never thought about ever losing anyone, and so when I did, it’s a whole different type of pain.”

That pain now accompanies him into the ring, driving him to a victory over one of the top prospects of the past decade, Steven Navarro, now signed with Top Rank Inc. In times of need, many turn to therapy; Fuentes turned to boxing gloves and USA Boxing tournaments. As the seven-time national champion, Fuentes is determined to carry this momentum into his professional career, responding to tough times like the fighter he is.

“I just channeled it into my training,” Fuentes said. “I’ve been boxing all my life; that’s all I’ve known. So that’s all I could do, just work out and look for the next challenge.”

Fuentes faced his hardships head-on with an unshakeable bond with his family. His mother, Norma Nunez, handles his professional paperwork, while his father and coach, Joey Fuentes, strategizes for his fights. His older brother, Josiah Fuentes, also plays a significant role and is credited by Jordan for shaping his professional career.

“My brother used to box as well; he fought for 10 years,” Fuentes said. “Actually, the reason I’m so good is because of him. Honestly, when we were little, we used to spar 12 rounds in 16-ounce gloves for seven or eight years. So I owe a big part of my success to him.”

Despite their pain, the family supports each other, exemplifying unity in adversity. With Central Valley power broker manager Rick Mirigian in his corner, Fuentes steps into the professional arena with his family’s backing, fighting for them every time he enters the ring, adding a deeper significance to his bouts, and often pointing to his chest tattoo with his sister’s name after each win; which he might do again this weekend.

“The bond is strong; we’re all really close,” Fuentes said. “They’re just so happy for me and 100% behind me.”