Two Young Champions: Juan Manuel Gomez and Marcos Gomez

By Franco Hernandez

February 3, 2014

The two brothers Juan Manuel Gomez and Marcos Gomez would have been at home in ancient Sparta or in the elite Aztec warrior class, they are no ordinary kids. Juan Manuel at age thirteen has already built up an impressive record in the sport of hard knocks: ten amateur fights, three Fort Worth Golden Gloves titles, one state Silver Gloves title. His brother Marcos is a talented high achiever in amateur boxing: twenty-three fights, five Fort Worth Golden Gloves titles, one state Silver Gloves title.

Boxing is a way of life for Juan Manuel and Marcos. The squared circle is their play-ground. While other kids watch television or play video-games after school, the Gomez brothers learn the sweet science. Their evenings are filled with rigorous drills: foot work, mitt work, bag-work, skipping rope, running, sparring. When asked what keeps the brothers in the boxing-gym when other kids prefer the comfortable sofas, the snacking, and the video-games; they reply: "the excitement of fighting, it's incredibly fun to outsmart, to outwork an opponent, to beat him. When you fight in front of a crowd, nothing compares to that."

The Gomez brothers have learned how to set goals for themselves through the practice of boxing. Juan Manuel's long-term goals are to become an Olympic champion, and win a professional world championship. He is interested in pursuing a career in law and defending the poor. Marcos also plans to win an Olympic title and become a professional world champion. He is interested in a military career and police work.

With these two young champions on the horizon; the future of Tejano boxing looks bright.