It’s a gym no bigger than the average living space. But despite its size, AMC in Milwaukee is on its way to producing the future of boxing.
“Winning the tournament last year really motivated me, and I set the bar for the kids at the gym,” said Mireya Marquez, Junior National Champion in female boxing at the 114 weight class.
Mireya Marquez is the reigning Junior National Champion in the girl’s 114 weight class.
A 15-year-old from Milwaukee, who decided at the age of 12, she was tired of watching.
“It was in front of me this whole time and I just knew. It was something inside of me that I knew I wanted to do it and had to try it,” said Marquez.
Looking to former fighter Alberto Mercedes, the creator of AMC, Marquez is training to defend her title. However, the reason is much bigger than another belt to hang on the wall.
“I want to go to the Olympics more than one time, to win gold. Kristie Shields won two gold medals, back to back, so I would like to accomplish that. Even greater. I want to make history,” said Marquez.
“There is nothing that these kids can not do. They can do whatever is out there. They can become the greatest boxers in the world.” said Alberto Mercedes, AMC Boxing coach and former professional boxer.
In December, Marquez will be joined by three fellow boxers all representing AMC and Milwaukee.
It’s a testament of how Mercedes and the sport of boxing has started to turn this community into Champions.
“All you have to do is give them love, give them compassion and they will give you everything that have,” said Mercedes.
