Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz

Joseph Ronnie Lee Rentz, 60, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 20, 1964, and passed away January 19, 2025, with his mother, Linda Lee Rentz, at his side. Ronnie is preceded in death by his grandmother Pricilla Abeyta, grandfather Louie Abeyta, and cousins Maria and Sofie Marie. He is survived by his mother Linda Lee Rentz, father Aubrey Rentz, daughter Melanie and her husband EJ, grandson Anthony and granddaughter Alena, uncle Johnny, and cousins Liz, Tanya, Kira, Sofia, Santiago, Che, and Kristina.

Ronnie grew up in the North Valley of Albuquerque and is a well-known and respected boxer who is considered to be one of the best amateur boxers to ever come out of New Mexico. His boxing career started at a young age when his grandfather, eventually trainer, introduced him to the Police Athletic League (PAL), where boxing became his life. He had many highlights throughout his boxing career including an amateur record of 185 fights and only 1 loss, and a professional record of 3 fights and only 1 loss. He is a four-time winner of the PAL National Title and received the 1981 National Golden Gloves Title. As a boxer, he represented the U.S. fighting in various countries some of which include Venezuela, Bolivia, Russia, Cuba, Ireland, and Romania. He was one of the few to defeat Pernell Whitaker in the amateurs. He also competed in the Olympic trials where his roommate was Evander Holyfield. His last greatest accomplishment was on September 28, 2024, when Ronnie was inducted to the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame. Although Ronnie’s boxing career had come to an end, he started a new fight battling cancer back and forth for several years, which sadly resulted in a loss.

A rosary will be recited on February 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 3424 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church. A GoFundMe - https://gofund.me/3816de8a - has been created to assist with the expenses. 

Any donation or sharing of the link would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your kindness and support.