East Atlanta’s Najee Lopez Opens Up About His Boxing Journey, Family Loss, and Mental Discipline.
In a revealing interview on Skipping Class with Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report, 25-year-old light heavyweight boxer Najee Lopez opens up about his journey from East Atlanta to the professional boxing ring, touching on personal loss, his mixed heritage, and the mental and physical discipline required to succeed in the sport.
A Tough Beginning and Family Influence
Lopez, who competes in the 175-pound weight class with an undefeated 12-0 record, grew up in the East Side of Atlanta. He describes the area’s vibe as more laid-back compared to other parts of the city. Despite not initially being fully focused on boxing, Lopez was inspired to step into the ring by his older brother, who had a passion for the sport. He also dabbled in football, but soon realized boxing suited his preference for individuality and personal challenge.
Tragedy and Resilience
Throughout the conversation, Lopez also opens up about the loss of his father—a pivotal moment in his life that shaped his resilience both inside and outside the ring. As a mixed-race individual with African American and Puerto Rican roots, Lopez speaks on the challenges of growing up with multiple identities, using those experiences to fuel his drive to succeed.
From Amateur to Professional
With over 200 amateur fights before transitioning to the pros, Lopez shares the major adjustments that came with going professional. One of the biggest changes, he explains, is the strict discipline needed around diet and lifestyle. No longer able to indulge in comfort foods like fried wings, Lopez now focuses on clean, consistent meals to keep his body in peak condition. “It’s all about maintaining that discipline,” he says, acknowledging how vital it is for staying at the top of his game.
Mental and Physical Toughness
When discussing the mental and physical challenges of boxing, Lopez reveals that body shots are some of the hardest to endure—often more painful than headshots—but also the most common. He also describes how pre-fight nerves are inevitable, especially leading into the first round, which sets the tone for the entire match. Despite his knockout potential, Lopez stresses that his main focus is not to chase knockouts but rather to improve and refine his skills with every fight. “I want to look better every time I step in the ring,” he says.
Lopez’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and the importance of mental strength in overcoming life’s challenges. As he continues to make a name for himself in the boxing world, his story serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
