The gloves came on long before the spotlight. Growing up in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Kaleb Medina learned to turn raw emotion into focused work, guided by a father, grandfather, and uncle who lived the sport. That lineage runs through every story he tells, from childhood shadowboxing to collecting 70-plus amateur bouts and navigating a pandemic pause before landing in Albuquerque’s tight-knit boxing community.

We get into the nuts and bolts of a Golden Gloves win at 143, why moving up from 132 made sense, and how amateur tournaments punish the undisciplined with daily weigh-ins. He breaks down conditioning that actually translates, especially sprint work that builds second and third winds when fights get gritty. With one last international tournament ahead, he looks toward the pro ranks at 130, backed by coaches who emphasize smart matchmaking, real development, and accountability. He has no time for padded records or triangle theories; styles make fights, and respect is earned the hard way, round after round.

There’s a studied eye behind the swagger. He analyzes recent pro action with detail—dropped hands, tempo shifts, broadcast bias—and names current favorites like Bam Rodriguez, Nakatani, and Benavidez for their blend of craft and aggression. Beneath it all sits a steady faith shaped by family and fortified through hard years, the kind that turns road work into ritual and setbacks into fuel. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a boxing gym but hesitated, you’ll find practical advice and an open door here: start with the bag, build the habit, and let the confidence follow.

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The Boxing Grind