Houston boxer and former lightweight champion Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz, who pulled out of a fight scheduled for July 29, released a statement Monday explaining his decision to retire from the ring and pursue his other dream of attending law school.

In the statement, Diaz, 27, said that retirement is “not a decision that I take lightly. However, after extensive consultation with my family and team, we agreed that is time for me to hang up my gloves and transition into the next stage of my professional life.”

During his 10-year pro career, which began with a one-round TKO win against Rafael Ortiz on June 23, 2000, he became a world champion while maintaining a focus on academics, graduating from high school and earning a degree from the University of Houston.

“I competed against many of the top fighters in the lightweight division, and I always put my heart into every fight,” Diaz said in the statement. “I could not have asked for a better career.”

Diaz became WBA lightweight champion on July 17, 2004, when he won a unanimous 12-round decision against Lakva Sim at Reliant Center. He remained the champ until losing an upset split decision to Nate Campbell in March 2008. He also held the WBO and IBF lightweight titles.

Diaz was involved in 2009’s consensus fight of the year, losing to Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez via ninth-round TKO. In his final bout, he lost a 12-round decision to Marquez. He leaves the ring with a record of 35-4, 17 KOs.

Win or lose, Diaz developed a reputation as a crowd-pleasing action fighter who gave his all in the ring. In his statement, he acknowledged the support he received from Houston fans through the years.

“I want to thank all of my fans for their love and support,” Diaz said. “My career has had many highlights, but I never was more humbled than when I entered the ring at the Houston Toyota Center to a packed house full of cheering, supportive fans. I always will remember that.”

Check out photos from Diaz’s career.

Do you have a favorite memory of the Baby Bull in or out of the ring? Share them in the comments.