EAST LOS ANGELES — Ducking and dodging from distractions is second nature for Anthony Herrera. The flyweight boxer from East Los Angeles grew up in a tough neighborhood, with danger constantly at his doorstep.

However, instead of getting caught up in the troubles, boxing became his passion and focus.

“I have a lot of friends and peers that have been killed or been in jail, or they’re just not doing well right now, so I didn’t want to follow that path, so I chose this path,” Herrera explained.

And the path has taken him on quite the adventure outside of East Los Angeles. At the age of 20, he has traveled around the world, participating in global tournaments, bringing home medals, and a new perspective.

While the pandemic has delayed fights and his goal of the Olympics, Herrera remains focused.

“COVID impacted everything. From postponing the Olympics to the qualifiers. I’m just staying busy in the gym, and getting ready for what’s to come,” he said.

That journey of preparation as a member of the 2021 Olympic Games Tokyo Boxing Qualification Team, has been accelerated by the guidance of his trainer Edgar Estrellita Jasso.
“I grew up in East L.A. myself, I know how rough them streets are. Him not having the experience that other fighters have and to accomplish what he did, was a lot. There’s a lot of eyes on him now,” Jasso said.

But perhaps the main audience that Herrera is fighting for, is his parents. He credits them for helping him reach this point, and hopes his success in the sport, is a success for the entire family.

“You know, anything they couldn’t give me at the time because of the sacrifices they made for me, I want to give to them.”

But until then, it’s tunnel vision for Tokyo.