Within the skilled boxing ring, energy alone isn’t sufficient—psychological resilience is simply as important. Having competed on the highest stage, former number-one ranked fighter Jose Guzman (2003–2005) understands that boxing is as a lot a take a look at of internal energy as it’s a bodily battle.
Now a devoted coach at Victory Boxing Membership, in New York Metropolis, Guzman instills self-discipline, starvation, and humility in his fighters, shaping not simply champions however people who can rework their lives by way of the game—simply as he did.
Regardless of its challenges, boxing has taught Guzman humility and respect for all fighters, no matter talent stage. He sees the game as a strong instrument for transformation, significantly for athletes from underserved communities, drawing from his personal expertise of overcoming poverty by way of boxing.
It’s an honor to share the insights of a champion boxer and devoted coach. On this interview for Social Way of life Journal, Jose Guzman displays on his journey and what he has realized from each the ring and the nook. He shared:
Ms. Meghan Forte: Mr. Guzman, from 2003-2005, you had been the primary ranked fighter within the USA. Might you describe the psychological health that that additionally entails, along with bodily energy?
Mr. Jose Guzman: The psychological health to be a primary ranked fighter within the nation entails having the mentality to all the time be able to battle anybody since you principally have a goal in your again and everyone seems to be out to come back for you. It’s a must to be ready to indicate them WHY you’re the prime man even in your worst days. The bodily energy arrives from having a powerful psychological way of thinking as a result of when you may have your mindset to win within the ring. Within the ring, it’s all the time YOU vs YOU.
Ms. Meghan Forte: What qualities do you search for in a fighter who desires to be coached by you?
Mr. Jose Guzman: Qualities I search for in fighters who need me of their nook are self-discipline, starvation, and humility. Why? When disciplined, you might be coachable, reside a wholesome way of life, and take heed to all directives. Starvation, as a result of if you find yourself not hungry in boxing, there’s all the time one other individual on the market who’s hungrier than you might be, so it’s important to need it greater than anybody else. Humility is vital to this sport since you gained’t be as coachable whenever you suppose you might be higher than everyone else, which suggests your ego is just too up within the air, figuring out that you simply aren’t mentally grounded.
Ms. Meghan Forte: Why do you are feeling that boxing, though you’ve confronted challenges all through your profession, has helped you channel your feelings out within the boxing ring?
Mr. Jose Guzman: The game has made me develop extra humility in direction of anybody that steps into the ring as a result of boxing is a harmful sport and I really feel everybody that steps by way of these ropes must be revered, whether or not they’re the worst or greatest fighter on the planet. Subsequently, the game has actually taught me to be humble.
Ms. Meghan Forte: How can boxing present, in your expertise, alternatives for different younger athletes, particularly for many who could come from underserved communities?
Mr. Jose Guzman: Boxing is known as a poor man’s sport. There have been numerous circumstances, reminiscent of mine, the place I’ve come from nothing, have lived in tasks and homeless shelters, and didn’t have any cash in my pocket. Nevertheless, my want and starvation for this sport modified my life. As an example, check out icons like Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Claressa Shields, and Floyd Mayweather, who’ve all come from poverty, and their starvation for boxing modified their lives.
Meghan Forte: What makes an efficient coach, in your opinion?
Mr. Jose Guzman: For my part, an efficient coach is made up of the identical quantity of starvation as their fighter, drive, dedication, and somebody who has fought prior to now and has skilled all the things boxing has to supply. All the best way from the ups to the downs.
Ms. Meghan Forte What bodily preparations do you take part in to organize for a match?
Mr. Jose Guzman: Preparations for a battle include boxing coaching 6 days per week, which embody punching the bag, sparring thrice per week, working thrice per week, together with energy and conditioning two occasions per week. AND most significantly loads of relaxation and restoration. To not point out, nurturing your physique with correct diet.
Ms. Meghan Forte: The place are you presently teaching?
Mr. Jose Guzman: I coach individuals at Victory Boxing NYC.
Ms. Meghan Forte: What makes your teaching providers a singular expertise?
Mr. Jose Guzman: My teaching providers are distinctive and, most significantly, HONEST. I’ll all the time maintain it 100 with you as a result of I’m not there to be anybody’s good friend; my major objective is that will help you obtain your goals when moving into that ring.
Are you contemplating a profession as an expert boxer? Do you want skilled teaching from somebody who has walked that path? Take into account coaching with Mr. Jose Guzman, coach at Victory Boxing in New York Metropolis.
Mr. Guzman, it has been an immense honor to interview you on behalf of Social Way of life Journal. Your life classes and willpower will encourage many readers and a brand new era of boxing expertise.
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