Within the skilled boxing ring, power alone isn’t sufficient—psychological resilience is simply as very important. Having competed on the highest degree, former number-one ranked fighter Jose Guzman (2003–2005) understands that boxing is as a lot a take a look at of interior 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 by means of the game—simply as he did.
Regardless of its challenges, boxing has taught Guzman humility and respect for all fighters, no matter ability degree. He sees the game as a robust instrument for transformation, notably for athletes from underserved communities, drawing from his personal expertise of overcoming poverty by means 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 discovered from each the ring and the nook. He shared:
Ms. Meghan Forte: Mr. Guzman, from 2003-2005, you have 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. It’s important to be ready to indicate them WHY you’re the prime man even in your worst days. The bodily power arrives from having a robust psychological way of thinking as a result of when you have got 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 needs 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 life-style, and hearken to all directives. Starvation, as a result of if you end up not hungry in boxing, there’s at all times one other particular person on the market who’s hungrier than you might be, so it’s a must to need it greater than anybody else. Humility is essential to this sport since you received’t be as coachable while you assume you might be higher than everyone 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 by means of these ropes must be revered, whether or not they’re the worst or greatest fighter on the earth. 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 might come from underserved communities?
Mr. Jose Guzman: Boxing is known as a poor man’s sport. There have been varied instances, resembling 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. For 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 every little thing 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 combat include boxing coaching 6 days per week, which embody punching the bag, sparring thrice per week, working thrice per week, together with power and conditioning two occasions per week. AND most significantly a number 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 companies a novel expertise?
Mr. Jose Guzman: My teaching companies are distinctive and, most significantly, HONEST. I’ll at all times maintain it 100 with you as a result of I’m not there to be anybody’s pal; my main function is that will help you obtain your goals when entering into that ring.
Are you contemplating a profession as knowledgeable 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 dedication will encourage many readers and a brand new technology of boxing expertise.
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