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OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – Julius Daniel has skilled a variety of battles all through his life, however when he steps within the ring Saturday night time to make his beginner boxing debut, it is likely to be the simplest one he’s ever had.
The 34 year-old former 82nd Airborne Paratrooper has been coaching for this second for the previous 10 months at 12 Rounds Boxing in Ocala. He got here to the health club with no prior expertise in hand-to-hand fight, aside from what he discovered within the navy.
In relation to skilled sports activities, there’s typically a small window of time athletes have to aim to comprehend their lofty objective of being one of the best on this planet at their respective sport, and that’s normally between the ages of 18-25 years previous. Within the case of Daniel, particularly within the sport of boxing, he’s thought of over-the-hill at 34.
However none of that issues to him. He’s crushed far worse odds over the previous decade.
“I’ve all the time been a fighter,” stated beginner boxer Julius Daniel. “Simply not within the ring.” “[I’ve] handled being homeless, handled psychological melancholy. After the navy, I bought out 10 years in the past, struggled simply protecting a job. I got here to boxing 10 months in the past. It simply gave me a cause to maintain getting up within the morning.”
Daniel admitted that when he and his household got here down they didn’t have a spot to remain or cash to afford one, so he actually went knocking door-to-door to ask for charity from individuals in Ocala.
In 2019, the stress and struggles in his life turned so exhausting and hopeless, Daniel hit all-time low and almost made a dire alternative.
“Went by means of points with household, ended up separating from my spouse and children for 2 years. That lead me to suicidal tendencies and strolling the streets in Silver Springs with no house, no i.d., no automobile. And someday I used to be able to take my life.”
Daniel stated he made the choice to stroll out into site visitors on State Highway 200, a really busy street in Ocala, and cease in entrance of an on-coming semi truck and finish all of it. However earlier than taking these grave steps, he had an epiphany.
“That day, I noticed, I wanted to search out one thing to struggle for. What I’m combating for isn’t just myself, however different individuals coping with psychological struggles, melancholy, nervousness, and simply don’t know the way to deal with life or hack life.”
Now, he’s a modified man for the higher.
Since that second, Daniel has labored on himself, each bodily and mentally.
He’s began his personal development firm, reunited along with his spouse and children, and within the 10 months main as much as this struggle, he’s reduce down from over 200 lbs to 178 lbs.
It’s due to his round the clock, machine-like coaching his conditioning coach believes Daniel is prepared for his debut within the ring.
“He’ll push himself till he has nothing left after which he’ll go one other few rounds,” stated Conditioning Coach Don Martin Jr. “He’s devoted, he’s decided, and after I assume he’s accomplished, he’s not accomplished. He continues.”
“I’ve needed to inform him to not practice earlier than, and he’s like, are you kidding me? After work he went out and did his circuit at his home with sledgehammers and tires and chains. Dude, cease.”
Throughout his sparring periods, Daniel stated he’s fought many various opponents, all ranging in measurement and weight class.
“I’ve fought guys who’re 150 kilos to guys weighing over 270 kilos,” stated Daniel. “I’ve taken my share of lumps. Now I’m going to dish it again out Saturday night time.”
Regardless of pouring in numerous hours getting ready for his first beginner struggle, and spilling blood, sweat, and tears, Daniel actually believes this contest received’t be something almost as tough because the hardships he overcame to get right here.
“Persons are actually hacking life on the market strolling these streets proper the place we’re at. They don’t have meals; they don’t have garments. That’s onerous. That is going to be simple.”
Daniel will face Daniel Placid in a light-heavyweight bout Saturday night time in Clearwater.
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