The Making of a Champion
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
By A. Govea
August 11, 2026
I first met Juan Cervantes of 2nd Chance Boxing about five years ago. At the time, he had recently retired from a long career in law enforcement, including a stint in the District Attorney’s Office as a gang investigator. In 2019, Juan transitioned into a new chapter as the Head Boxing Coach at the Jaycee Zaragoza Recreation Center.
His passion for the sport—and more importantly, his commitment to the young people who walk into his boxing program—has kept him going strong.
Over the years, I followed Juan’s journey and the progress of his boxers on social media, often joining many others in congratulating them on their victories. Then one day, I saw a post announcing that one of his boxers had just won the National Golden Gloves Championship in her division.
The young lady was only fourteen. If you saw her at the mall with friends, you’d never guess she was a boxer. As a writer, I knew there was a story there. I reached out to Juan to ask if he would be open to sharing more.
Fortunately, he agreed—and even offered to introduce me to the young champion and her mother. So off I went to the Jaycee Zaragoza Recreation Center in Dallas to meet her and set up an interview. I will share that conversation in my next article, which will feature the 14‑year‑old champion herself.
For now, I want to focus on Coach Juan and his thoughts on what it takes to make a champion.
Seeing Something Special
My first question for Juan was simple: “Did you see anything special in the 14‑year‑old girl?”
He explained that parents bring their kids to boxing for many reasons—giving them something productive to do, teaching self‑defense, or simply getting them off their screens. Many of these young athletes can get through a month of rigorous training, which requires discipline and consistency. But boxing, Juan said, is a lonely sport, and only special ones are willing to embrace the challenge it presents.
“The ones that keep coming back month after month, the ones that push themselves—those are the special ones,” he said. That quality was clearly visible in 14‑year‑old Jada, whom you will meet next week.
“You can see it in their eyes,” Juan added. “They never question the work and are always seeking to learn more. The special ones are self‑driven and determined to win.”
Defining Success Beyond the Ring
I asked Juan whether winning in the ring was the only measure of success. He shook his head.
While victory is a goal for all boxers, Juan looks far beyond that single metric. He speaks with parents about home behavior and asks to see report cards. In the gym, he expects his boxers to lead by helping new trainees, keeping equipment clean, and supporting others.
Success, he believes, is not just measured in wins and losses. It is reflected in the character a young person shows both inside and outside the ring. For Juan, becoming a responsible young adult with strong values is the ultimate success.
He also teaches sportsmanship, especially when sparring with someone who may not have the same skill level. “Never take advantage of others,” he said. “Lead by example.”
A Dream Realized—Just in Time
Juan shared that one of his personal hopes was to one day coach a National Champion. Like many who strive for excellence, he dreamed of reaching the pinnacle of his profession.
Now he can proudly add that achievement to his coaching résumé through 14‑year‑old Jada.
But life has a way of shifting just when we least expect it. Juan was recently advised by his doctor to stop all strenuous physical activity or risk needing surgery. Two degenerative collapsed disks in his spine have caused severe pain in his shoulder and arm, making mitt work—an essential part of boxing coaching—impossible.
And so, Coach Juan must retire as a full‑time coach.
Passing the Torch
The work, however, will continue. The next Head Coach is 22‑year‑old Natalie Rodriguez, who trained under Juan for five years. She will now lead the program, and Juan says he will never be far away—always ready to step in when needed.
We at Hola Texas thank Coach Juan for helping countless young people learn life skills that will serve them for years to come. And to Coach Natalie, we wish you great success. You have a friend at Hola Texas.
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