Middleweight Freddie Cuevas fought Jermain Taylor/John Duddy

Freddie Cuevas (27-9-1) announced his retirement Tuesday night, ending an 11-year middleweight career that included a 12-round loss by decision to Jermain Taylor in 2003.

The 37-year-old Cuevas, who was laid off by the by a Chicago phone company earlier this year, never fought for a world title but served as a fan favorite in his hometown.

His final bout took place on one of boxing’s grandest stages, Madison Square Garden, on June 10 against the young John Duddy. Unfortunately for Cuevas the bout didn’t go his way with his corner calling it off because of cuts.

Cuevas spent a year and a half helping to train former NBA star Kendall Gill at Chicago’s JABB Gym. Gill won all three of his fights, two by technical knockout and one by decision, in 2005 before officially retiring from boxing this spring.