CHERRY HILL, N.J. — When Gabriel Gerena steps into the ring once more on June 8, it’ll be for his first struggle in seven months. The layoff – the longest of his profession since he turned professional in 2022 – isn’t as a result of an damage or managerial points. The 22-year-old was busy together with his closing semester of faculty, strolling the stage at Rutgers Enterprise College in New Brunswick, N.J. on Could 9 together with his diploma in finance.
It was a much more satisfying commencement expertise than his highschool finale in June of 2020, when he needed to choose up his diploma via a drive-thru because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The light-weight/junior welterweight prospect from Piscataway, N.J. says he was impressed to check finance after seeing loads of different boxers and members of the family go broke after their incomes slowed down, and hopes to begin a profession as a monetary analyst or retirement planner.
“Ever since I used to be a child I used to be in a position to steadiness faculty and boxing, so it makes you extra disciplined, good with time administration. I simply realized to know my thoughts, my physique. That’s why I needed to complete off that final semester sturdy, however now I’m coming again to boxing feeling even higher,” stated Gerena (5-0, 4 knockouts).
Along with his diploma wrapped up, Gerena adjustments his focus again to boxing, together with his subsequent struggle scheduled for six rounds in opposition to Lyle McFarlane (2-5, 1 KO) at Bally’s Atlantic Metropolis. Gerena says he doesn’t know a lot in regards to the 27-year-old from Tulsa, Okla., however says his personal fashion is one which McFarlane will develop into acquainted with.
“I’m motion packed. At first I’m going to check you however ultimately I’m gonna be in your ass. If you happen to’re not in form or I’m smarter than you, you’re getting out of there earlier than the final bell,” stated Gerena.
Gerena’s potential to adapt comes from a 130-bout novice profession which started at age 9. He gained a number of New Jersey state titles on the Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves, and fought in each main nationwide match, incomes a silver medal on the 2016 Junior Nationwide Championships in Kansas Metropolis, Mo.
Among the many boxers he confronted in his novice profession embody professional prospects Jalil Hackett, Deric Davis and Travon Marshall, amongst others.
(WATCH: Thomas LaManna on Juan Carlos Abreu showdown, getting back from Lara loss)
Educated by his father Edgar Gerena and Ahman Elliot, and managed by his father, he says his lengthy novice profession and expertise preventing in distinctive circumstances like a weekend match in Puerto Rico ready him for the professionals.
“I believe that’s what performed a task into me being knowledgeable. Lots of people don’t get that chance to struggle folks from throughout the nation, preventing on worldwide reveals so I really feel prepared,” stated Gerena, who’s of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent.
Requested what he would advise for boxers who’re making an attempt to juggle boxing and faculty life, he says planning and communication are key.
“Undoubtedly speak to somebody. It might be onerous, boxing is a lonely sport, you gotta take care of plenty of issues. Plenty of occasions, you’re simply going right into a area you don’t know particularly going from amateurs to professionals, it’s an entire completely different ball recreation,” stated Gerena.
“Writing issues out like your schedule, what you wish to do, it prepares you for each day life. Like, all proper, I’m gonna get up right now, work out right now, work right now, go to highschool right now. Regardless of the case could also be, simply having a plan makes an enormous distinction.”
Remainder of the cardboard:
Thomas LaManna vs. Juan Carlos Abreu
Chiara Dituri vs. Perla Lomeli
Saleh Ali vs. Michael Ruiz
Jean Pierre Valencia vs. Abdelaziz Fatane
Carlos Rosario vs. Terell Bostic
Delvin McKinley vs. Richard Hernandez
Justin Palmieri vs. TBA
Damian Tinnerello vs. TBA
Ryan Songalia has written for ESPN, the New York Day by day Information, Rappler and The Guardian, and is a part of the Craig Newmark Graduate College of Journalism Class of 2020. He might be reached at [email protected].
