MightyGloves.com

A Success Story: Jesse Lopez

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 6, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

With an amazing amateur record of 185-17, a professional record of 20-2 and ranked #5 in the world as a Junior Welterweight in 1988 then 25 year old Jesse Lopez who was recognized as an incredible hard working boxer also made an extremely difficult life changing decision the following year-to retire from the sport he loves.

His Dad who was also his trainer thought that Jesse just needed a little time off but as Jesse recollected, "One week off became 2 weeks, one month turned into 3 months and during this time
off I really started to enjoy life and didn't want to go back to boxing." So what has become of this competitive fighter after all these years? I'm happy to report he's doing very well. Dividing his time between his new career, coaching boxing and conducting private lessons while also spending time with his family just being a Dad.

Jesse Lopez is an outstanding example that there truly is life after boxing and being successful in the ring can definitely translate into success outside of the ring if you're willing to do the work involved. Speaking candidly, Jesse brought to light a very important fact that needed to be aired " Boxers today should realize nothing lasts forever and they should always have a Plan B to fall back on when the final bell rings."

Boxing can be a beautiful sport it can also be a cold, harsh one. To survive in boxing takes guts the same is true through out life as well as in the 9 to 5 work environment. Success comes in many forms so let's explore what life after boxing means to Jesse Lopez:

JA Jesse, How was the transition from being in the boxing spotlight to an every day career?
JL It gets easier as time goes by. Over time you adjust to being out of the spotlight.

JA What was the reason for your retirement?
JL It's always more than one thing. A lot of reasons, promotional issues, a tough time with my marriage but mostly I lost the desire and was wondering why am I here?

JA What did you decide to do after your retirement?
JL I divorced and remarried. Did a lot of traveling around in different gyms where I trained and coached boxing. I love coaching the amateurs. I also coached other sports as well. People were helpful during my career and it rubbed off on me. So I train the kids who want to learn to box.

JA How did you get involved with real estate?
JL I'm really fighting hard now.( He laughs, in regard to the real estate market) My ex-wife has been doing real estate and she told me to give it a try that I would be good at it and I did. I've been doing it for about 3 years now. It's a field in which you have to enjoy people and I do.

JA Did you prepare for your career after boxing while you were still fighting or did you make the decision after your fighting days were over?
JL I had no idea I would be involved in real estate. But I did want to stay in the gym. I wasn't prepared for the future. Boxing was my whole career it consumed my whole life.

JA Is boxing still your first love?
JL Yes by far. I loved it and still do. Done right it's a beautiful sport. But after boxing I began to see what else was out there.

JA Do you enjoy watching fights on tv?
JL After I retired it was tough to watch pro boxing on tv. It was hard to deal with because it wasn't me anymore. Only in the last 5 years have I started to watch pro boxing again.

JA What has professional boxing taught you that you use in your new profession?
JL Boxing taught me everything. Confidence, competition and dealing with all kinds of people.

JA What do you miss most about boxing?
JL Competition

JA What do you miss least?
JL Making weight. I love to eat hamburgers, hotdogs and Snicker bars.

JA Most boxers say they least enjoy training. How did you feel about it?
JL I loved to train. I felt comfortable. I felt at home in the gym. Plus my Dad was my trainer.

JA What advice do you have for boxers who want to establish careers beyond the ring?
JL Education. Always read. During your career keep in mind that your dreams might not come true and that is something you have to accept. It might not work out so think about, what else can I do?

JA How do you divide your time between real estate, coaching, private boxing lessons and family time ?
JL (laughs) Scheduling.

JA Favorite boxer of today?
JL Margarito and Cotto ( 2 gentlemen)

JA Favorite all time fighter?
JL Alexis Arquello and Marvin Hagler

JA Favorite all time fight?
JL Fernando Vargas/ Oscar DeLaHoya and Sugar Ray Leonard/ Wilfred Benitez

JA What are your thoughts on women's boxing?
JL I'll train them but I don't agree with it. It is a very rough sport. Woman shouldn't box.

JA How about MMA?
JL It's barbaric. Glorified street fighting.

JA Finish this sentence, A good boxer is______
JL A gentleman

JA Do you think boxing is violent?
JL No

JA Favorite Color?
JL (laughing) Blue
J Why are you laughing?
JL You just caught me off guard that's all.
JA I also like to include questions that show the human interest side to my interviewees.
JL That's good.

JA Favorite food?
JL Prime rib

JA If you could be an animal what would you choose?
JL ( laughing) A Bear

JA Any tattoos?
JL Not during my boxing career. My mom said no. I did get one after boxing.

JA What are your hobbies?
JL Motorcycle rides. I love bicycle riding.

JA What makes you "special"?
JL My kids. No one at work knew I even boxed until a year ago.
JA Are you a celebrity now at work?
JL Not really. It's not who I am.

JA What are you afraid of?
JL Failure in real estate it's my profession now.

JA Would that be the same answer concerning boxing?
JL Yes. I had nightmares about failing.

JA What are 3 words to describe you?
JL A parent, enjoys life and always happy.

JA One thing people would never guess about you?
JL That I don't have a temper. I'm easy.
JA Easy going?
JL Yes. People think you need to have a temper to box but I didn't have one.

JA Favorite snack?
JL Snickers

JA If you could have a superhero power what would it be?
JL To fly.

JA Your Pet Peeve?
JL Dishes in the sink.

JA Do you have a hidden talent?
JL No

JA One thing that is always in your refrig?
JL Milk

JA Before we close, How can we keep boxing strong?
JL Get more judges with good qualifications.

JA Anything we haven't covered?
JL I think you covered it all.

JA Last words...
JL I'm in the real estate field now and if your in Vegas call me.

JA Thank you for the interview Jesse.
JL It was my pleasure.

« Previous article: Cleveland Pride: Joey Maxim

Next article: Photos from today's Kelly Pavlik vs Bernard Hopkins Philadelphia Press Conference »