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Local boxing coaches preparing for their own big fights

By Lana Bradstream 4 min read

Two Marshalltown boxing coaches are jumping into rings for their own fights.

Luis Alejandre, 39, and Adan Rodriguez, 25, found inspiration from their students at Liver Shot Boxing Club to climb through the ropes.

Even though it has been 13 years since his last fight, Alejandre is excited for the opportunity.

"I love the sport," he said. "I love boxing. It's given me everything -- peace."

Responding to an invitation, Alejandre will fight Omar Lopez during the USA Masters Boxing Las Vegas Masters Boxing Championships on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. This will be his 34th fight, and Lopez's 23rd.

The Vegas championships will feature fighters from numerous states and various countries, such as Australia, Canada and Germany.

Rodriguez will fight Scott Bruse at the March 16 Real Fighters Association (RFA) match at The Rec Plex in West Des Moines. The RFA match will be Rodriguez's second fight. The event will also feature local fighter and Liver Shot student, Jacob Youngbear, in the title match. Rodriguez said the fights will be aired on Pay Per View.

"Training with the kids and the adults here made me realize I was still able to jump in there," Rodriguez said. "It felt like it was calling to me, that it was time to get back to fighting."

With fights right around the corner, both coaches are placing more focus on their own training while still instructing their students. Alejandre has been training for the match every day for the past one and half months, and Rodriguez has been training for four months.

"Sometimes you have to train by yourself so you can focus," Alejandre said.

With Alejandre's match closer, he said he is going to focus on improving his speed rather than building strength -- especially during the last week.

"So the muscles won't be too tense," he said.

Rodriguez will focus on sparring and cardio to improve his oxygen intake and overall conditioning.

"They say the hardest things are done outside the ring," he said. "You bring everything into the ring. The hardest thing is definitely training and getting prepared for the fight."

Rodriguez described training as overall performance tuning.

"There's a lot of mental and visual thinking when you're in the ring," he said.

During training, the coaches said a lot of sacrifices have to be made, while physical activity is significantly increased.

"We train harder -- run a lot, sparring at different gyms," Alejandre said. "We build more strength."

Training also extends to diet and interaction with others. Alejandre has reduced the amount of time spent with family, and both coaches have been practicing intermittent fasting.

"You stop drinking water to cut water weight, first," he said. "Then you eat a little bit with a little bit of water."

"After the first 10, 12 hours, you break a wall and you forget about eating," Rodriguez said. "You're more mentally focused. There are some good benefits to fasting. The first few days are always tough."

A number of boxers have pregame rituals to fulfill or superstitions before a fight. Some fighters might not speak to anyone a few hours prior to getting in the ring. Others become attached to certain colors or items of clothing, such as a pair of shorts or a robe.

Alejandre and Rodriguez said they do not have anything like that, and instead focus on prayer.

"I just ask for overall health and that everybody walks out well," Rodriguez said.

Alejandre carries a rosary with him.

"I like to get on my knees and say a prayer," he said.

The financial cost of the fights is supported by Liver Shot Boxing Club, which also funds the students' matches, and training sessions at other boxing gyms. The gym pays for gas, food for the fighters and entry fees.

Liver Shot has six students competing in bouts and 15 students attending classes. The competing Liver Shot fighters claimed the Iowa Silver Gloves Championship title, and advanced to the regional match in Fremont, Neb. in January.

"There's kids here training to be something big in boxing," Rodriguez said. "It's not just boxing. It helps them become a better person. By helping out the boxing club, it helps out tremendously. It helps these kids get somewhere in life with boxing. It also helps us out, because we're in need of financial support. It would be nice if we can get help."

Alejandre said they appreciate any support. Donations to support the matches can be sent to Venmo @LiverShotBoxingClub.

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.

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