“When I sit and think of my life and who have been my inspirations, heroes and motivators, I have to start by acknowledging God and my family.
The one person that I can assure you deserves to be my hero is definitely my father. My motivators in life are my family and all the people who surround me with their great support every day of my life. The people who inspire me on my quest to be the best are my family and boxers Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
My family supports me unconditionally. I am the man that I am today not only because of the life experiences that I have encountered, but also my wife and her kids. Before I met my wife Monica, I was a young man living the single life. But once we were married, I knew this would have to change if I was going to be a good role model to my kids and a good enough man to stand next to this strong woman.
My relationship with my dad is so special to me because he has taught me determination, work ethic and, most of all, life is about choices. One thing that he made clear to me at a young age is that everyone has a fair shot at life. Therefore, life will be what we make of it. He also has given me my place as a man and has allowed me to make my own choices even when he knew they were wrong. But the one thing that I am most grateful that he has taught me is that the most important thing in your life as a man should be your family. Not work, money or materialistic things, but your family.
In the ring, Mayweather and Pacquiao are by far among the best fighters in the world and have been an inspiration of who I want to be in terms of athleticism – the best.
Aaron Pryor, Henry Armstrong and Meldrick Taylor are the three fighters whose fighting styles I have modeled. Both Aaron and Henry were relentless fighters with great head movement while Meldrick possessed great punching combinations, desire and determination.
Even though all the people have been important in helping define who I am, I don’t believe they would be possible without the faith God has given me. For this, I am grateful.”
