El Paso amateur boxer Nayeli Rodriguez harbors Olympic dreams
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Boxer Nayeli Rodriguez trains to attempt to qualify for the Olympics
Amateur Boxer Nayeli Rodriguez trains on Jan. 10, 2024, at Rodriguez Fight Team Gym, preparing to attempt to qualify for Team Mexico in the Olympics.
El Paso amateur boxer Nayeli Rodriguez has been a consistent winner in boxing throughout her life.
Now, she’s aiming for the ultimate prize in amateur boxing as she looks to qualify for the Olympic Games this summer in Paris as a member of the Mexican Olympic team. Her dual citizenship allows her to fight for Mexico.
On Sunday, she begins the next phase of her attempt to qualify for the Olympics when she begins fighting in a national tournament at 125 pounds in Mexico State. She is a bracket with seven other boxers.
“I’m eager, I’m excited, I’m a little nervous, but I am ready,” said the 22-year-old Rodriguez on Wednesday evening as she wound down preparation for the national tournament. “I feel good at 125. I feel strong. I’ve had good sparring headed into the tournament.”
Rodriguez, who attended Eastlake High School, has caught the eye of Mexican amateur boxing officials by finding success at various tournaments in Mexico over the past several months. A win in this tournament would help her take the next step in making the Olympic team. If she wins the upcoming trip, trips to Spain and Italy are in store, where she will earn more opportunities to shine in front of Mexican coaches and officials.
“I feel like I have some a long way in my career,” said Rodiguez, who has been boxing since elementary school and has had success in the Junior Olympic and Golden Gloves portion of her career. “All the experiences have prepared me for this moment. I feel as a fighter, I’ve improved in many areas and I feel confident.”
Rodriguez’s father, Jose, helps train her and has been a major influence in her career. Jose was a former boxer, kickboxer, and muy Thai fighter before moving to trainer. Rodriguez’s three siblings also were involved in combat sports.
“My dad has taught me so much and he’s always stood by me, win or lose and he’s said that no matter what, that he’s proud of me and that has always stuck with me,” Nayeli said.
Added Jose: “Nayeli is someone who never quits, who never stops working and learning. Nayeli has come a long way in her career and she’s doing great things. She has a great chance to accomplish her goal of making the Olympics and that’s something she’s wanted for a long time.”
Rodriguez’s plans in boxing also include fighting professionally; she could begin that phase of her life as early as later this year.
“Being a world champion is a goal of mine, and right now, women fighters are doing great things and getting more recognition,” Rodriguez said. “That’s something I’m proud of to see.”
More: Boxing News Great Eight: Welcome aboard, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez … for now
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X (Formerly Twitter)
Read More: El Paso amateur boxer Nayeli Rodriguez harbors Olympic dreams 2024-01-13 15:13:09