When Analeigha Hernandez decided to give boxing a try, there was so much to learn. It would have been easy to feel overwhelmed.
Hernandez had participated in taekwondo, but this boxing thing was new.
And yes, it was challenging.
“I didn’t even know how to throw a punch,” she said. “Taekwondo is not hard like boxing. It’s a different mindset. Everything is different.”
A year later, how is she doing?
The 14-year-old Hernandez is among several females who train and compete at Kingdom City Boxing-Fitness in Normal. In a predominantly male sport, she has earned respect from the boys at the gym.
“Honestly, some are scared of her,” said Sid Edwards, Kingdom City owner and coach. “They treat her like family, though. My gym in general is a family. Everybody gets along. We’re super diverse here. They don’t treat her like family in the ring, but outside the ring, they do.”
Evidence of Hernandez’s progress is her participation in state/regional Junior Olympics competitions in Illinois and Michigan. At the latter, last weekend, an opponent pulled out of a scheduled bout against Hernandez.
Perhaps word is spreading that this incoming Bloomington High School freshman packs a punch.
Hernandez, who competes at 132 pounds in the 13-16 age division, spars against boys at Kingdom City. She said that has “helped a lot” in preparing her for Junior Olympics events.
A number of Kingdom City boys have qualified for the National Junior Olympics later this month in Wichita, Kansas. Hernandez will not be going there, Edwards said, but will return to Michigan in October for another Junior Olympics competition.
“It’s exciting to fight in the Junior Olympics. It’s a nice experience and I know I’m good at this,” Hernandez said. “I’m just trying to get better and better every day.”
Hernandez has committed fully to boxing. She trains at Kingdom City five nights a week and participates in sparring sessions every other weekend against boxers from other gyms.
“I love it,” she said.
Hernandez spent her early years in Mexico. Her mother, Tina Hernandez, said Analeigha and her brothers, Gio, 16, and Jesus, 15, have been here for three years.
Tina Hernandez had reservations initially about her daughter exchanging punches, but said, “Her coach [Edwards] is great. He takes her under his wing and helps her do everything.”
“This has helped her a lot,” she added. “Before, she was kind of angry or whatever. Coach has brought the good into her and what life’s really about. She’s come a long way.”
Hernandez said her trust in Edwards “gives me confidence in myself.” She also has played soccer, but is unsure if she will pursue that sport in high school.
She plans to continue boxing, saying she relishes the hard work it requires.
“I like everything about boxing,” she said.
Edwards likes the impact Hernandez is having at Kingdom City and beyond.
“She’s doing awesome,” he said “She’s making a statement in our city and in this community. I think seeing her, it’s showing young females here to be brave and to challenge themselves physically.
“She’s definitely being a leader and an example. I’m proud of her.”
Edwards participated in more than 230 amateur fights. When he speaks to Hernandez’s potential, the words carry weight.
“She’ll be good. She’ll dominate,” he said. “I don’t have any doubts.”
