From Bullied to Boxing Champ: The Inspiring Story of Jennifer Lozano

Jennifer Lozano is a trailblazer in every sense. Hailing from the small border town of Laredo, Texas, she’s making history as the first Olympian from her city.

However, her journey to the top hasn’t been easy. Growing up in a town where resources were scarce and expectations were limiting, Lozano’s path to boxing greatness began as a response to bullying and adversity. Now, she’s representing her city and carrying the hopes and dreams of Latinas everywhere.

How Growing Up in Laredo Shaped Jennifer Lozano’s Boxing Career

Lozano’s journey from Laredo to the Olympic Games is nothing short of inspiring. In an exclusive interview with FIERCE, she shared how being from a small town straddling both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border influenced her approach to boxing and life.

In fact, her experiences growing up were pivotal in shaping her mentality. “Being from a small border town and growing up on both sides of the border has truly been a journey,” she said. “From growing as a person mentally and getting out of my comfort zone into seeing the world for what it has to offer.”

Furthermore, for Jennifer Lozano, being a Latina in boxing has been a great part of the journey. “Being a Latina in a male-dominated sport has shaped me into the woman I am today,” Lozano explained. “From machismo, bullying, doubters, and no opportunity, to being the first male or female athlete from the border to ever make it to the Olympics… it made me stronger, tougher, and hungrier to succeed.”

Boxing Became A Defense Against Bullying

Lozano’s entry into boxing was born out of necessity. As a young girl, she used boxing as a defense mechanism against bullying. “Boxing gave me the confidence I never had growing up because of the fights I used to get into in the street,” Lozano said. “With the simple fundamentals of knowing how to correctly throw a jab and a hook, I was hooked.”

But it wasn’t just about self-defense. Lozano’s hunger to improve intensified as she watched other fighters enter the gym with belts, trophies, and medals. “I wanted one so bad,” she confessed. “But I just didn’t have the opportunity in the beginning due to the high machismo mindset in the Southside that girls belonged at the house and not in the ring.”

Despite it all, boxing became her sanctuary. “Boxing gave me peace when my world was filled with chaos,” she added.

Jennifer Lozano: A Latina Repping Team USA on the Global Stage

As a Latina representing Team USA, Jennifer Lozano carries her culture and heritage with pride every time she steps into the ring. “I carry my culture with me every time I step in that squared circle with pride,” she stated. For Lozano, boxing isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about uplifting and inspiring others. “To carry my heritage and culture does not just mean I represent myself,” she explained. “I represent every Latina girl who has been told that they couldn’t do it because they are girls.”

Lozano’s story resonates deeply with young Latinas, especially those who feel confined by their circumstances or cultural expectations. “I represent every girl who thinks there is no way out because of how they grew up or where they are from,” she said. “To every kid that thinks it’s too late to write their own story, and to every kid that is afraid to chase their dreams because of generational barriers.”

Her success is a beacon of hope for those who feel their dreams are impossible to reach. “Anything is truly possible,” Lozano emphasized.

Breaking Barriers and Finding Empowerment in Boxing

Lozano’s journey parallels “The Fire Inside,” a film that highlights the struggles and triumphs of women in sports, particularly boxing. According to Lozano, watching the film, which chronicles the challenges faced by fighters like Claressa Shields, was an emotional experience. “It brought me to tears because it gave me a true perspective of what [Shields] had to go through to get to where she is today,” she said. “And I saw myself in her throughout her challenges, her anger, her lifestyle, her family, her hunger, and her sacrifices.”

For Lozano, Shields’ journey symbolizes everything she hopes to achieve as a Latina boxer, breaking barriers. “Because of her, many girls believe they can do it and achieve whatever they put their heart and minds to,” Lozano said. “Because of her, I know I’m going to be one of the greatest to ever do it from a border town, breaking many machista barriers along the way.”

“I’m breaking barriers and giving opportunity to those who don’t believe they can make it out with their dreams,” she added.