LEXINGTON, Ky. — One of Lexington's hidden talents is shining inside a unique gym.
Her focus is laser-sharp, and her feet are moving. Her hands in pink boxing gloves follow each movement with a defined swing.
This is a byproduct of Piper Ramirez's passion for becoming a nationally ranked female boxer.
Recently, Ramirez's abilities brought her to the 2024 USA Boxing National Open, where she placed No. 1 in the female 65-pound Pee Wee division.
Ramirez will have one more competition in Wichita, Kansas, over the summer that could give her a chance to earn a spot on the Youth Olympic boxing team this year, where she could compete in Thailand, said her father and gym co-owner, Guillermo Ramirez.
Although she’s young, Ramirez prepares for competition with a strict protein-led diet and conditioning.
She trains with former boxer and co-owner of House of Best Kept Secrets Boxing Club head coach Gerald Reed.
Ramirez is among dozens of young boxers at the Lexington gym. She is also one of four female boxers training in the gym.
Guillermo said Piper is a second-generation talent with a dedication that’s unmatched for her age.
“I'm so very proud of her," he said. "She's put in a lot of hard work and done a lot of work in and out of the classrooms. It's well-deserved."
Ramirez has competed in several national competitions and said the challenge isn’t always easy.
“I lost (my first fight)," she said. "Then I had my second fight; I lost again. But then I started winning, and I was confident."
With high confidence, her next goal is to take home some hardware.
“I want another belt, and I don't have a trophy, so that's what I'm wanting right now,” she said.
The House of Best Kept Secrets Boxing Club is one of Lexington's only boxing-gyms with two nationally ranked female boxers. Ramirez's big dream is to become an Olympic gold medalist, she said.