Like many athletes, boxers developed skills like discipline, something that was taught. When showing their traits, a constant routine was needed over and over and over again, a routine that had to be adapted to be a better person overall.
Every day at 6 a.m., even as it was pitch black outside, Joshwa Martinez (10) woke up to eat breakfast. His daily schedule looked about the same everyday. As a sophomore, his schedule was already quite tight.
“So after work, I go out and train, and then I go do something else and basically go to bed after that,” Martinez said. “It’s hard for me, it takes all my day. I barely eat on the weekends.”
The only difference on the weekend was that instead of school, Martinez went straight to training and then to work. While he looked at his future, Martinez was not quite sure at the moment what plans he had, but he was looking forward to it.
“I barely have time because this year went fast for me.” Martinez said.
However, Martinez had no plans on leaving the city when he got older.
“I’m most likely to stay in Kenosha, but right now I’m training in Milwaukee, so because I live here I support from friends and family keeps Martinez motivated have to take a 40 minute drive.”
Compared to Martinez’s freshman year, his time to train increased, as his goal was to become a national champion.
“I’m so happy to work out more. I’m working out twice as much,” Martinez said.
He kept a discipline with food and health as well. While Martinez progressed with his choice of boxing, there was never a time where he made the decision to take an interest, he just figured it was a sport he would pursue from when he watched his four elder brothers participate in boxing as well.
“I got influenced by my older brother, Jairo. He made me go through what he went through,” Martinez said. “By showing me dedication to himself, that’s where I started boxing.”
During Martinez’s freshman year of high school, he became close friends with Adan Villalobos (10) and Miguel Mendez (10).
“He really continues doing what he loves,” Mendez said.
Mendez mentioned how Martinez was a person who was the type to mind his own business, but definitely not a shy person. Martinez was not slowing down anytime soon, focusing on his upcoming match in a couple months. He was not focused on his high school social life.
“He sticks to one thing and obviously that’s boxing and has that motivation,” Villalobos said. “He wants to get better and be the best he can.”
His family took a great interest in helping Martinez pursue his boxing career and helped him stay consistent with it.
“I kinda feel like that discipline that I needed to have if I wanted to get into a sport, so it’s kind of like me or you.” Martinez said. “When I told my mom we were on diets, she would prep us some food. My mom is still not super into it.”
Despite his mom not having a complete understanding, his family was right by his side and made sure that Martinez had the opportunity to thrive.
“I care for my parents and their life. Whatever they want me to do, I’ll do it for them because they’re my people,” Martinez said.
