Violet Lopez began her boxing journey in hopes to defend herself but she quickly realized it became a decision that helped her grow closer to her family. She first started boxing when she was just eight years old, which became a move that would help make a name for herself.
Her passion for the sport of boxing grew immediately due to the bond that she shared with her family. Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Violet found her love for boxing through her grandfather, who became her biggest supporter. He was always cheering her on at the early stage of her career and was found in the front row supporting his granddaughter with a big smile on his face.
“When I would go over to my grandpop’s house, we’d always talk boxing,” Violet recalled. “His relationship was important to me, and when I step in the ring, he’s someone I want to make proud.”
However, in 2019, while she was in Puerto Rico for a boxing tournament, she got a tragic phone call from her mom informing her that her grandfather had passed away. Violet heartbroken from the news made the decision to withdrawal from the tournament and return home.
“I tried to train, but I just wasn’t ready,” she admitted on why she made her decision to step away from the sport for nearly half a year. “I wanted to respect him and then every time I tried to box or train, I was filled with emotion. I wanted to make sure I was giving the sport my 100% when I returned for not just myself but for him.”
The bond they shared through boxing was irreplaceable, and it took time for her to rediscover her motivation. However, once she ultimately returned to the ring, she remembered how much joy the sport brought her. She now steps into the ring not only to bring joy to herself, but also to represent her grandfather.
Her parents have been by her side since the beginning, providing encouragement and helping her navigate the mental challenges of the sport.
“My parents help me a lot with the mental aspect of boxing,” she explained. “They’ve seen my struggles up close, and they push me when I need it most.”
Lopez states that while her parents support her completely and love watching her compete, they also remind her to maintain balance in her life. That balance that they preach allows Violet to ensure that she enjoys time with friends and keeps up with her schoolwork.
Violet’s relationship with her mother is particularly strong. Her mom is not just a parent but one of her best friends who she can trust entirely and can lean on for advice.
“She’s one of my best friends,” Violet shared. “Whenever I’m facing something tough, she’s the first person I talk to. Her experiences really help.”
Her support system is strengthened by her cousin, Angel Villarreal, who is not just a role model and mentor but also her boxing coach.
“He sees the potential in me and has never given up,” Violet noted as she appreciates his belief in her abilities. “He pushes me to be the best version of myself.”
Violet’s boxing coaches experience is what pushes her every day. Her two coaches having experience is how she stays motivated and achieves her goals. Her other coach, Israel Acosta, competed at the Olympic Trials and has trained in the same gym she is training in now.
Violet now prepares for the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships after being selected for the Youth High-Performance Team. Lopez recently won the 2023 USA Boxing National Championships in her weight class and looks ahead to next week where she understands this upcoming tournament is a pivotal moment in her career.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but the job isn’t finished,” she said. “My goal is to medal at Worlds, and I know I can do it.”
