Kelson Pinto

Kelson Carlos Santos Pinto (born November 26, 1976) is a Brazilian former professional boxer and world title challenger. As an amateur, he won a silver medal at the 1999 Pan American Games and represented Brazil at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Amateur career
Pinto represented his native country in the light welterweight division at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He was eliminated in the second round by Uzbekistan's eventual gold medalist Mahammatkodir Abdoollayev.

Olympic results

 * Defeated Ghulam Shabbir (Pakistan) RSC 4
 * Lost to Mohamad Abdulaev (Uzbekistan) RSC 4

Professional career
Pinto turned professional in 2000 and won various regional titles in the Americas. He remained undefeated until fighting Miguel Cotto (whom he had defeated twice as an amateur) for the WBO junior welterweight title in 2004, in which Cotto defeated him by KO in 2004. In 2005, Pinto lost a technical decision to former IBF junior welterweight champion Vince Phillips after an accidental headbutt which cut Phillips.

Coaching career
Pinto has continued coaching boxing in Brazil and has coached multiple UFC fighters, most notably, former UFC Middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa.