Caleb Truax Bio
Caleb Truax, born September 14, 1983, in Osseo, Minnesota, is an American professional boxer known for holding the IBF super middleweight title from 2017 to 2018. Competing primarily in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions, Truax is recognized for his orthodox fighting stance and a reach of 191 cm. Nicknamed “Golden,” he has built a career marked by resilience and notable victories in the boxing world.
Early Life and Background
Caleb Truax was born and raised in Osseo, Minnesota. He has a twin sister, Erin Truax, and a younger brother named Seth Martinez. During his youth, Truax was active in sports, participating in football and baseball at Osseo Senior High School, where he was an all-conference member of both teams. After high school, he played college football at Virginia State University but a knee injury ended his gridiron career.
Returning to Minnesota in 2003, Truax attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in Sociology with minors in African American studies and Political Science. It was during this time, at age 19, that he entered a local Toughman contest, marking the beginning of his passion for boxing. Despite losing his first fight, Truax committed himself to the sport, adjusting his training and diet as he pursued an amateur career.
Path to Boxing
Truax compiled an amateur record of 21 wins and 8 losses. In 2006, he earned several regional titles including the USA Boxing State Champion, Region 1 Champion, and Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Champion. These achievements helped him transition into a professional career starting in 2007. His early success in amateur boxing laid the foundation for his professional aspirations in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions.
His dedication and skill development during these formative years positioned him for opportunities at higher levels of competition. Truax’s orthodox stance and physical attributes, such as his 191 cm reach, became key assets as he advanced in the sport.
Caleb Truax Career
Early Career (2007–2014)
Caleb Truax made his professional debut in April 2007 with a second-round knockout of Ray Walker. Over the next several years, he built a solid record by defeating notable opponents such as Ossie Duran, Matt Vanda, Andy Kolle, Phil Williams, Jonathan Reid, Antwun Echols, Durrell Richardson, and James Crayton. His only professional loss during this period came against former undisputed middleweight world champion Jermain Taylor, where Truax notably knocked Taylor down in the ninth round.
Truax’s early career was marked by steady progress and growing recognition. He fought on cards promoted by prominent figures such as Mike Tyson, who praised Truax as an exciting talent and a breath of fresh air for boxing. By March 2015, Truax held a professional record of 25 wins, one loss, and two draws, establishing himself as a contender in the middleweight division.
IBF Super Middleweight Breakthrough (2017–2018)
On December 9, 2017, Caleb Truax challenged British boxer James “Chunky” DeGale for the IBF World Super Middleweight Title at the Copper Box Arena in London. Truax started strong, landing heavy shots and maintaining stamina throughout the fight. Despite DeGale’s experience and late rally, Truax secured a majority decision victory with scores of 116–112, 115–112, and 114–114. This upset victory was considered one of the biggest boxing surprises of 2017, as DeGale had been heavily favored by bookmakers and media.
Truax held the IBF super middleweight title until 2018, marking the pinnacle of his professional career. The win elevated his status in the boxing community and demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Later Career and Recent Fights (2019–Present)
In April 2019, Truax fought Peter Quillin in a bout that ended in a no-contest due to an accidental head clash causing a severe cut over Truax’s right eye. He expressed readiness to continue, but the ringside physician stopped the fight. Later that year, Truax faced David Basajjamivule in Minnesota, winning by majority decision after Basajjamivule was penalized twice for fouls.
Truax also challenged for the IBF super middleweight title again in 2021, continuing to compete at a high level. Throughout his career, he has maintained an orthodox stance and leveraged his reach and endurance to his advantage in the ring.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Caleb Truax fights with an orthodox stance, utilizing his 191 cm reach to control distance and deliver powerful punches. His style emphasizes stamina and resilience, allowing him to maintain pressure throughout long bouts. Truax’s ability to adapt and endure has been key in his victories against experienced opponents.
Notable Events and Milestones
Truax’s most significant career milestone was winning the IBF super middleweight title in 2017 against James DeGale, a victory that shocked the boxing world. His professional record includes 31 wins, with 19 by knockout, 6 losses, and 2 draws over 40 total fights. He has faced top-tier opponents and consistently demonstrated competitiveness at the world championship level.
Caleb Truax Career Wins
Caleb Truax has accumulated 31 professional wins, including 19 knockouts, across middleweight and super middleweight divisions. His career highlights include capturing the IBF super middleweight title and competing in high-profile bouts against elite fighters.
IBF Super Middleweight Highlights
Truax’s defining victory came in 2017 when he won the IBF super middleweight title from James DeGale. This win marked his first world championship and remains the most notable achievement of his career. He successfully defended his position as a top contender in the division and challenged for the title again in 2021.
Other Wins and Performances
Throughout his career, Truax has defeated several respected opponents and maintained a strong winning record. His early victories over fighters like Ossie Duran and Matt Vanda helped establish his reputation. Despite setbacks, including losses to champions like Jermain Taylor, Truax has remained a consistent presence in professional boxing.
Caleb Truax Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Caleb Truax comes from a family with athletic interests, including a twin sister, Erin, and a younger brother, Seth Martinez. While not from a boxing lineage, his family background supported his early sports involvement in football and baseball.
Personal Life
Truax is private about his personal life, with no publicly confirmed information about a spouse or children. He has focused primarily on his boxing career and education, having graduated from the University of Minnesota.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Caleb Truax continues to compete professionally, leveraging his experience and skill in the super middleweight division. His recent performances demonstrate resilience and tactical growth, aiming to reclaim championship status. Truax’s ongoing commitment to training and competition positions him as a veteran contender with potential for further success in upcoming bouts.