CLEVELAND — The USA Boxing National Qualifiers continue in Cleveland until April 30, and it features several Cleveland-area boxers.

What You Need To Know

  • The USA Boxing National Qualifiers are in Cleveland

  • The competition features a several Cleveland-area boxers

  • Several fighters train at Fresh Xperience Boxing Academy in Cleveland

Jermari Golphin’s father, Jermaine, balances his duties as a dad and a coach, providing his own blend of coaching. 

“It’s tough love so I can win," Jermari said. 

Jermari, 10, already won a regional and state championship. His next goal is to add a national champion to his resume, but the training hasn’t gotten easier. 

“I don’t like it," he said. "But it helps me win." 

He’s one of five young fighters at the Fresh Xperience Boxing Academy who are competing at the USA Boxing National Qualifiers.

Some others include Jason Garner, 11, and Spectrum News 1 previously talked with sisters Patience Billingsley and Nevaeh Williams, who are also competing. They’ve challenged each other six days a week. 

The fighters trained for months.

“My dedication is extreme," Garner said. "Nobody can describe it."

Jermaine said he goes by Coach Fresh, and he has a philosophy about why boxers shouldn’t let their confidence turn to arrogance. 

“The sport truly humbles the kids.," he said. "All the workouts truly humble them. Having to come in here every day and put that hard work in.” 

Jermaine said all of his fighters have the mindset of a champion, but his son motivates him as a coach.

“When you see the dad in the corner, you naturally see champions because it’s the discipline of the father not letting the son give up," Jermaine said.  

Whether it’s in parenting or coaching, he’ll be in their corner when the bell rings.