MILWAUKEE — Ever since he was a kid, 16-year-old Alan Fuentes has always dreamed of going to the Olympics.
"I have a really big goal that I want to accomplish and that is to be a world champion. I want to go to the Olympics in 2024 and as an amateur boxer, I feel like that's what every amateur boxer's dream is, to be in the Olympics one day," said Fuentes.
So for him, that goal means he has to eat, sleep, and breathe boxing every single day.
"I train three times a day. I train in the morning, I do a weight session, I run and then I come back during the day to do boxing," said Fuentes.
And by training under a former professional boxer, Coach Alberto Mercedes, Alan says his dream can become a reality.
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"To be part of the Olympics is very, very, very difficult - but it's doable. I help them with everything when it comes to their nutrition, what they are supposed to eat, how they are supposed to train," said Mercedes.
But even if you don't want to box professionally, but would like to get in shape at home, Coach Mercedes says there are a number of exercises you can do.
"Throw punches, this particular exercise is kind of the basics, we call it the 1-2. You can also do high knees, you're picking your knees up, you can do this while watching TV. This exercise is excellent to get the flexibility in the shoulders, to get the flexibility in your whole body," said Mercedes.
So whether you want to box to have fun, or compete professionally, Coach Mercedes says whatever you decide, just make sure your whole heart is in it.
