Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Hernandez
Hi Miguel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my boxing journey at the age of 27, which is relatively late compared to many of my peers, who are often preparing for retirement by that age. I participated in nine amateur bouts before turning professional. Boxing has always been a passion of mine; however, I lacked the opportunity to pursue it during my childhood. I lost my mother to mental health challenges when I was just six, and my father was frequently occupied with work. My family followed boxing closely, and I cherished watching matches with my father and uncle, which instilled a deep-rooted interest in the sport.
The birth of my son, Joshuah, reignited my passion when I noticed his affinity for boxing. This inspired me to pursue a career as a professional boxer. I started competing in 2003, ultimately achieving a record of 20 wins, 12 losses, and 10 knockouts. I was proud to win the Illinois State Middleweight title in April 2005 and the WBC United States Middleweight title in February 2006. I faced tough challenges in step-up bouts against former junior middleweight champions Raul Marquez and Yory Boy Campas, and I was fortunate to participate in the reality show “The Contender,” where I met one of my idols, Sugar Ray Leonard. In a nutshell, I accomplished a great deal in a relatively short time, fulfilling my dreams.
Boxing has been a constant presence in my life, and now I have the opportunity to give back to others through the sport. Life often presents challenges, and while the career path we choose may not always align with our expectations, it can motivate us to forge our own paths. On December 22, 2022, I proudly opened 3 JMH Boxing in the Brighton Park area, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of boxers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting my boxing career at 27 was a challenge in itself. Many of my peers had been in the ring since they were kids, so I had to work twice as hard to catch up, not just physically but also in terms of experience and skill. The learning curve was steep, and every fight felt like a test of whether I could truly make it in a sport where youth and experience are often seen as essential.
One of the biggest struggles was balancing my responsibilities as a father while pursuing my dream. I had to make difficult sacrifices, missing out on time with my family while putting in long hours of training and preparation. Financial stability was another concern early on, as boxing isn’t always lucrative, especially in the beginning. I had to deal with the ups and downs of prize money, sponsors, and managing my career while keeping my family afloat.
Additionally, the emotional toll of my mother’s loss always weighed heavily on me. Growing up without her and navigating that grief was a constant undercurrent in my life, but it also became a source of motivation to push through hard times, and the love, guidance and strength I received from my father always pushed me. The pressure to prove myself—to my family, my sons, and myself—was intense, especially as I faced tough opponents like Raul Marquez and Yory Boy Campas. Losing fights was another mental hurdle, and dealing with defeat in such a public way took a lot of resilience.
But all these struggles shaped who I am. They taught me the importance of perseverance, staying focused, and believing in myself, even when the odds weren’t in my favor.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“My business is focused on personal training, with a deep specialization in boxing. With over 20 years of experience in the sport, I’ve opened a training gym in Brighton park, Chicago that caters to a variety of clients—from competitive boxers to fitness enthusiasts, and even kids and teens who want to develop discipline, confidence, and mental well-being through boxing.
What sets us apart is the personalized attention each client receives. We tailor our programs to individual goals, whether that’s improving athletic performance, learning boxing techniques, or simply staying fit. Flexibility is key to what we offer—we work with busy professionals and others who need adaptable scheduling.
What I’m most proud of is how we’ve created a supportive community. Our focus isn’t just on physical fitness but on mental health, helping people release stress and feel more confident through their training.
For the readers, I want them to know that whether you’re looking to compete or simply get in the best shape of your life, we’re here to guide you. We provide expert coaching, motivation, and accountability, all within a structured program designed for long-term results. Our training isn’t just about the gym—it’s about building skills that enhance your life.”
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. It’s not just about hitting personal milestones or achieving business goals, but about seeing the people I work with grow, improve, and feel empowered. Success is when I see a client gain confidence, overcome challenges, or reach a goal they once thought was impossible. For me, it’s also about constantly evolving—both personally and professionally—while staying true to my values.
But at the heart of everything I do, it’s always been about my boys. They were my motivation for everything—from when I first stepped into the boxing ring to now, opening the gym. I wanted to show them the value of hard work, perseverance, and discipline. “3 Jmh Boxing” is more than just a business name; it’s a tribute to them. I built this gym with the dream that they could see what’s possible when you’re committed to something you love. My boys are my legacy, and this gym is something I hope they will carry on, something they can be proud of, and one day pass on to their children.
Pricing:
- We encourage readers to reach out directly to discuss personalized pricing. We offer flexible packages based on individual goals, and we’re happy to tailor something that works for each person. Call within for more details on how we can design a program that suits your needs and aspirations! 773.940.2014
Contact Info:
- Website: https://3jmhboxing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3jmhboxing?igsh=MXB6YnFiZzZ4ZWE0eA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088837437286&mibextid=ZbWKwL
