Defending a title always represents a different challenge. For the Guatemalan boxer Joshua Antonthis Saturday’s fight not only means exposing his World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight Americas Continental Title belt for the first time, but also reaffirming the commitment he made when he decided to represent Guatemala, the country where his father’s roots come from.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Antón grew up between American, Mexican and Guatemalan cultures, but he never doubted which flag he wanted to carry in the ring.
“I always wanted to represent Guatemala. It is my father’s blood. I want to know more about my culture and I will always carry the Guatemalan flag high.”he stated.
His story in boxing began at the age of nine, after leaving football in search of a sport that motivated him more.
“I looked up boxing on the internet because I wanted to change sports. I went to my first class and it all started from there”he recalled.
The path to professionalism was not easy. Canceled fights and rivals who didn’t make the weight delayed his growth, until the opportunity came to sign with his promoter and win the WBC title.
“My career was difficult. Many fights fell on the same day or the rivals did not make weight, but since I signed with my promoter things changed. We won the WBC title and we are going step by step”he explained.
The conquest of the belt coincided with the historic night in which Lester Martínez was also crowned, an experience that strengthened his confidence and his desire to continue paving the way for Guatemalan boxing.
Now he faces the first defense of his crown against the Mexican Vladimir Hernández, a rival whom he respects for his strength and experience.
“He is a very strong fighter, with a lot of pressure and great physical condition. It will be a difficult fight, but I think I have advantages because of my reach and my style. I am a boxer who always looks for action and has heart”analyze.
During preparation he studied every detail of his opponent to come up with a well-defined plan.
“We have already seen several videos of him. We have a strategy to win this fight”he assures.
Although he admits to feeling the pressure of a fight for the title, he considers that this demand is an impulse to offer his best version.
“There is always pressure, but it is good pressure. I want to put up a great fight for my people. I feel ready for this Saturday”he points out.
The support of Guatemalan fans, especially after winning the belt, has become one of his greatest motivations.
“I never thought I would receive so much support from the people of Guatemala. It is a great honor and a huge motivation”he highlights.
Beyond defending his title, Antón keeps intact the dream that has driven him since he was a child.
“I want to be world champion, but also show that anyone can achieve great things if they work hard. You have to stay positive, keep going and never stop fighting”he reflects.
With that mentality he will enter the ring again, convinced that each victory is also a way of making the blue and white flag wave.
“This Saturday I am going to raise the flag of Guatemala to the highest point,” he concluded.