Outside of school, Greeley West sophomore Nevaeh Salazar  dedicates her time to one of the most physically and mentally exhausting sports: boxing. 

Salazar is currently in a boxing club located in Greeley. It’s called Young Champions Boxing, where she boxes five nights a week, with weekends off. “It’s basically like going to school,” Salazar said.

Since her stepdad knows the owner of the club, she didn’t have to worry about the cost for the classes. She is also the only girl in the program. “It’s exciting, but it’s a lot of pressure,” Salazar said.

Salazar looks up to Amanda Serrano, a professional boxer and mixed martial artist.

 Even though it’s a hard sport, Salazar has always enjoyed it since she was little. She and her family grew up watching both the men’s and women’s UFC fights. “It would be so interesting,” Salazar said. 

According to Salazar, there are both pros and cons to this sport. The pros are that. “You get to learn to defend yourself and others,” Salazar said, “ It also gets you in shape.”

But the best part of competing in boxing is that it helps her mental health.  “It’s a form of therapy.” Salazar said. 

Salazar said that while boxing is for her, it’s not for everyone.  “You really ave to love this sport to be in it,” Salazar explained.  “It takes lots of dedication and you have to give up the time spent with friends and family.”  

Success comes down to how hard you work, Salazar said. “You don’t rely on other people as much as in other sports since it’s a one-on-one sport. It’s mainly on you,” Salazar said