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Knocking out the competition, undefeated Detroit boxer signs with Evander Holyfield

Posted at 11:25 PM, Sep 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-23 09:57:33-04

There's a fresh face in the world of professional boxing and he's knocking out the competition.

He's a proud Detroiter, making national headlines. But he humbly makes it clear that he did not get there all by himself.

Eighteen-year-old Janelson Figueroa Bocachica of southwest Detroit chose boxing, instead of succumbing to peer pressure and running the streets. 

His work commitment, work ethic and determination are beyond impressive. 

“He’s like one of the first kids in the gym and the last on to leave,” says Khali Sweeney, founder and CEO of the Downtown Boxing Gym. 

Bocachica trains there with his father, trainers and mentors by his side.

His hard work caught the eye of one of the best in boxing, Evander Holyfield. Bocachica is now signed with the boxing great.

“Downtown Boxing Gym and Evander Holyfield got me where I’m at.  Now I’ve just got to keep going up,” says Bocachica.

This sport may be his passion but there is something that does take higher priority.

“Books before boxing always, education before anything else,” he says. 

Bocachica has been boxing since he was 8-years-old. It has been his passion, his purpose ever since. 

Bocachica is undefeated in his professional career.