When Jimmie Nunez Jr. decided to pursue a professional boxing career, he did not realize it would dominate his entire life – in a good way. His lifestyle has become one of eating right, training hard and taking care of himself. Which is a far cry from where he was just a few short years ago.
The Soboba Tribal member said when he was young, he was a big fan of the WWF and as he got older, he got interested in MMA. “The reason for not going for it myself was because I was too busy playing,” Nunez said. “I was drinking and smoking every day, I was making foolish decisions nearly ending my existence on a couple occasions. Also, I hated working a concrete job I was doing. What made me change ultimately was my daughter. Her future is extremely important to me and what kind of person would I be if I died or went to prison and left her with nothing?”
When he made the decision to pursue a boxing career, he was fortunate to find a great coach/trainer in Dave Trujillo at the House of Pain SoCal Boxing and Fitness Club in Temecula. He said the adjustment was difficult because he didn’t start boxing until he was 26.
“I was used to doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted,” he said. So not spending time with family or being able to eat and drink whatever he wanted was challenging. “Remaining disciplined is an absolute must; sacrifices are absolutely necessary to live this life.”
Nunez is now a man whose life is ruled by respect, integrity, morals and responsibility.
“I’ve learned to lead a healthy and sober lifestyle; I’ve been shown to a life I didn’t know was out there,” he said. “Without the House of Pain and Mr. Dave Trujillo, none of this would be possible. This man has done everything he said he would, and continues to do so. His work ethic is absolutely incredible. His drive to make miracles happen for others is a blessing from God himself.”
Nunez’s advice for anyone that is going to pursue this life is to realize this isn’t a game. “Your health is on the line with every competition,” Nunez said. “It’s an extremely difficult way of life but a healthy one. You must be dedicated and disciplined with your eating habits and training regime, otherwise I would advise not pursuing it.”
In February, he had the opportunity to fight at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.
“It was an amazing experience to fight at home,” Nunez said. “It definitely was a proud moment at such an early stage of my career. I was able to show my people that with effort and discipline they too can achieve their dreams.”
Nunez has fought in many different weight classes, but as of now he plans on making super lightweight his home division. His next fight is April 12 in Colorado. His current record is 9-4.
“The destination of the fight makes no difference in my opinion,” he said. “I do what I do every day regardless of where the fight is.”
He said that “Perfection In this sport doesn’t exist. I’m constantly working on learning and growing because that’s infinite. As far as my style, I would say I’m more of a fighter than a boxer, which are two different things.”
He categorizes a good bout as one where he can replicate what he’s been doing and working on in training. “Also, a good bout in my opinion is two evenly matched opponents, with both refusing to let off the gas; that’s what makes an exciting fight for fans that pay for the event,” Nunez said.
He said boxing is a lifestyle and a year-round sport, so he doesn’t really have an off season or any down time. Whenever he needs to take a break, though, he likes to spend time with his daughter Mila at the beach.
“I feel bad at times because I’m not always able to take her to the pool, park or other things,” Nunez said. “But, in the end, what I do is for her future and I’m showing her the way a man is supposed to conduct himself.”
For more information, www.hopscboxingclub.com.
Courtesy photos
