Imagine running at Legg Lake, strolling through the Klingerman apartments, buying some chips at the 7-Eleven on Michael Hunt, or sitting in a classroom listening to Mr. Escamilla give a riveting lecture on the Civil War. Like most of us, Arnold Barboza Jr. never thought that he would one day be running in Big Bear through bone-chilling snow, fly to Saudi Arabia, or visit England. Nor could he imagine thousands of people cheering his name at places like the Stub Hub or Staples Center. On May 2nd in New York City, Arnold will enter the ring as a gladiator once again and be viewed by millions worldwide. His journey from an eager South El Monte Eagle to a professional boxer has been quite a journey.
Arnold started boxing when he was 5 years old. However, his first taste of competition was on the soccer field. As best as he could, he tried to emulate his father’s athletic prowess on the field. “After only a few games and a few soccer balls to the face…I knew that I was not good”. Arnold hung up his soccer cleats as quickly as he could. What sparked his interest in boxing was a televised fight that happened to be playing during a family gathering. It was destiny. Arnold would try to follow in the ring the footsteps of his sister and father. “My sister boxed, and my dad was a professional kickboxer…fighting is in my blood”.
While a South El Monte High School student, Arnold became a father at 17. Hence, he would have to navigate the challenges that fatherhood brought and the obstacles that came with living in a city like El Monte. “I had to choose between a life filled with gangs and violence or be violent in the ring. My father helped me escape the gang life. He helped me see how boxing can change my life”. By the age of 22, Arnold was a father to two children and had hopes of becoming a professional boxer. “No one believed in me. I had a lot to fight for and wanted to prove everyone wrong”. Arnold believes that what drove and separated him from other boxers is his relentless determination and discipline.
He credits his days as a football player at South El Monte High School as the foundation of his mental toughness. “I still train like a football player. I remember having 2-3 practices a day during hell week. I train all year round. I don’t and won’t stop.”
Like a boxing match, not all the rounds in Arnold’s life have been successful: He has failed and made mistakes. “Fame and temptation come with the territory. I made mistakes. I let the money and attention get to me.” This is why 11 years ago, Arnold decided to make God the center of his life and was baptized. “Everything is possible through God. I was lost, but he found me and helped me focus when I needed guidance.”
Like most teens, while at South El Monte High School, Arnold was not exactly sure of his purpose. If boxing was the compass that he needed, then football was the iron that sharpened his will. “I am just a kid from ‘Sur’ El Monte. Football and boxing helped me stay away from the nonsense.” Arnold is most proud of being able to take care of his family and making his parents proud. He advises students to follow their dreams and to be willing to sacrifice some of their youth for their future.
In less than a month, Times Square in New York will be shut down, and the world will see the Eagle Warrior in action. Arnold has come a long way, however, he still recalls his humble beginnings. Whether it was running at Legg Lake or in the middle of winter in Big Bear, his goal has always been to be the best boxer in the ring. He fights for his future, he fights for his family—he fights for us.
