From the Womb to the Gym

As I mentioned in the intro, boxing has been a part of my life since I was born. I was literally an infant in the boxing gym while my dad trained. I can still remember the smell of the gym, the sound of the gloves punishing the bags, trainers coaching, and the old school energy that was in the air. I was maybe 6 or 7 years old when I started giving my dad water between rounds, wiping sweat from his face, and listening to everything said in the corner.

To me, my dad was Superman. I wanted to be just like him.

My love for boxing started long before I ever stepped in the ring myself. I grew up watching all the big fights with my dad and sometimes my uncle too, back in the ’90s. Roy Jones Jr., Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Tito Trinidad… all legends. I have vivid memories of HBO and PPV fight nights on the old big screen TV’s and the excitement that filled the room every time the bell rang. That’s where my love and respect for the sport started.

Even before I began training formally, my dad had already started laying the foundation. He taught me the basics, stance, how to throw and turn over shots, how to roll punches etc. I had a few neighborhood fights and held my own in most of them. But one fight changed everything.

It was in 5th grade. There was a new kid in class, and for weeks we’d gone back and forth, competing at recess, showing off for the girls, just typical young-boy stuff. One day, on top of the playground, things came to a head. He asked me, straight up, “You wanna fight?” I didn’t hesitate and I open hand smacked him.

Big mistake.

What I got in return was a clean and quick 10-piece right on the mouth. I took and stood through every shot, but ended up with a busted lip and a bit of embarrassment in front of the whole class. We both landed in the principal’s office. When my dad got the call and I told him what happened, he then knew, it was time.

That moment, that school fight loss, is what led me to boxing training.

It taught me some important lessons early:

Never think you’re the baddest one in the room.

Never underestimate anyone.

And you can lose a fight… and still be okay.

That weekend, I was in the boxing gym for real. And that’s where my training and my journey officially began.

Part 2 will be out next Friday! Tune in to find out how boxing training created a lifelong brotherhood.

Take action… Now!