Within the skilled boxing ring, power 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 check of internal power 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 via the game—simply as he did.
Regardless of its challenges, boxing has taught Guzman humility and respect for all fighters, no matter ability stage. He sees the game as a robust device for transformation, notably for athletes from underserved communities, drawing from his personal expertise of overcoming poverty via 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. May you describe the psychological health that that additionally entails, along with bodily power?
Mr. Jose Guzman: The psychological health to be a primary ranked fighter within the nation entails having the mentality to at all times be able to combat anybody since you mainly have a goal in your again and everyone seems to be out to come back for you. You need to be ready to indicate them WHY you’re the high man even in your worst days. The bodily power arrives from having a robust psychological mind-set as a result of when you’ve your mindset to win within the ring. Within the ring, it’s at all times 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’re coachable, reside a wholesome way of life, and hearken to all directives. Starvation, as a result of when you’re not hungry in boxing, there’s at all times one other individual on the market who’s hungrier than you’re, so it’s a must to need it greater than anybody else. Humility is vital to this sport since you received’t be as coachable while you assume you’re higher than all people else, which suggests your ego is simply too up within the air, figuring out that you just aren’t mentally grounded.
Ms. Meghan Forte: Why do you’re 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 via these ropes must be revered, whether or not they’re the worst or finest fighter on the earth. Due to this fact, 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, similar to mine, the place I’ve come from nothing, have lived in tasks and homeless shelters, and didn’t have any cash in my pocket. Nonetheless, 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: In my view, an efficient coach is made up of the identical quantity of starvation as their fighter, drive, dedication, and somebody who has fought up to now and has skilled every little thing boxing has to supply. All the way in which from the ups to the downs.
Ms. Meghan Forte What bodily preparations do you take part in to arrange for a match?
Mr. Jose Guzman: Preparations for a combat encompass boxing coaching 6 days per week, which embody punching the bag, sparring 3 times per week, operating 3 times per week, together with power and conditioning two instances per week. AND most significantly lots of relaxation and restoration. To not point out, nurturing your physique with correct vitamin.
Ms. Meghan Forte: The place are you at the moment teaching?
Mr. Jose Guzman: I coach folks 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 at all times hold it 100 with you as a result of I’m not there to be anybody’s good friend; my major goal is that can assist you obtain your goals when getting into that ring.
Are you contemplating a profession as an expert boxer? Do you want knowledgeable teaching from somebody who has walked that path? Think about 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 dedication will encourage many readers and a brand new era of boxing expertise.
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