Fernando Montiel is a retired Mexican professional boxer who fought from 1996 to 2016. He is a former three-weight world champion, having held titles in the flyweight, super flyweight, and bantamweight divisions.
Here we dive deep into Fernando Montiel’s professional career, net worth, prize money earnings, achievements, boxing record, and more.
Fernando Montiel’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fernando Montiel Martínez |
| Date of Birth | March 1, 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Reach | 66 in (168 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Professional Debut | December 6, 1996 |
Fernando Montiel Martínez was born on March 1, 1979, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. He grew up in a boxing family, with his father, Manuel Montiel, training him and other professional fighters.
Montiel began boxing at an early age and showed promise with his aggressive style and solid technical abilities. His natural talent, combined with his disciplined upbringing, quickly propelled him into the professional ranks.
Professional Career Overview
Montiel made his professional debut in December 1996, and it didn’t take long for him to rise in the ranks of the flyweight division.
He won his first world title in 2000, claiming the WBO Flyweight title by defeating Isidro García. His combination of power and precision allowed him to defend the title several times before moving up in weight.
In 2002, Montiel moved to super flyweight, where he won the WBO Super Flyweight title, further cementing his status as a top-tier fighter.
However, one of his most significant career moments came in the bantamweight division when he captured the WBO and WBC Bantamweight titles in 2010. In a dramatic fight against Hozumi Hasegawa in Japan, Montiel won by TKO in the fourth round, securing both belts and showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Montiel’s success in the bantamweight division continued until he faced Nonito Donaire in 2011. In this much-anticipated fight, Montiel was stopped in the second round by a left hook from Donaire.
Fernando Montiel faced Lee Selby for the IBF featherweight title on October 14, 2015. The fight took place at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Montiel lost the match by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.
He continued fighting until his retirement in 2016, ending with a professional record of 54 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws, including 39 knockouts.
Achievements
- WBO Flyweight Champion (2000–2002)
- WBO Super Flyweight Champion (2002–2006)
- WBO and WBC Bantamweight Champion (2010)
Montiel is one of the few Mexican fighters to win world titles in three different weight classes, a testament to his versatility and longevity in the sport.
Fernando Montiel’s Net Worth Details
Fernando Montiel’s net worth is estimated to be $2.1 million as of 2025.
Montiel’s successful career earned him millions in prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships.
Montiel earned around $2-3 million from his championship fights, particularly in the bantamweight division, where larger purses were common.
Prize Money Earnings
| Fight | Opponent | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Hozumi Hasegawa (2010) | WBO/WBC Titles | $500,000 |
| Nonito Donaire (2011) | WBO Bantamweight | $350,000 |
| Johnny Gonzalez (2006) | WBO Super Flyweight | $300,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $1.5 million |
| 2021 | $1.7 million |
| 2022 | $1.8 million |
| 2023 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $2.1 million |
Endorsements
During his career, Montiel secured endorsements with brands such as Tecate and Everlast, two companies that have supported numerous boxers throughout their careers.
Professional Boxing Records
| Record | Wins | Losses | Draws | Knockouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 54 | 6 | 2 | 39 |
FAQs
1. Who is Fernando Montiel?
Fernando Montiel is a retired Mexican professional boxer, born on March 1, 1979, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. He is a three-division world champion with 54 wins in his career.
2. What weight classes did Fernando Montiel win titles in?
Montiel won world titles in three weight classes: flyweight (WBO), super flyweight (WBO), and bantamweight (WBC and WBO).
3. When did Fernando Montiel retire from boxing?
Fernando Montiel retired in 2016 after a professional career spanning nearly 20 years, during which he achieved significant success.
4. What is Fernando Montiel’s professional boxing record?
Montiel’s professional record stands at 54 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 of his victories coming by knockout.
5. What was Fernando Montiel’s most notable fight?
One of his most notable fights was against Hozumi Hasegawa in 2010, where he unified the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles with a fourth-round TKO.
6. How did Fernando Montiel earn the nickname “Cochulito”?
Montiel’s nickname “Cochulito” came from his father’s nickname “Cochul,” given by a family member who mispronounced his name. It translates to “Little Cochul.”
7. Who were some of Fernando Montiel’s toughest opponents?
Notable opponents include Nonito Donaire, who defeated him via TKO in 2011, and Hozumi Hasegawa, whom he defeated to unify titles.
8. What style of boxing did Fernando Montiel use?
Montiel fought with an orthodox stance and was known for his aggressive style, precision punches, and knockout power.
9. What was the outcome of Fernando Montiel’s fight against Nonito Donaire?
Montiel lost to Nonito Donaire via a second-round TKO in their highly anticipated bout on February 19, 2011.
10. How many knockouts did Fernando Montiel achieve during his career?
Fernando Montiel achieved 39 knockouts out of his 54 total wins during his professional boxing career.
