My whole life has been surrounded by boxing, in the best way possible. Fight nights were family time. I grew up in boxing gyms all over the city, watching my dad do everything from coaching, training, reffing and sometimes even hosting boxing matches, all while my brother and I helped my mom sell food a few feet away from the ring. 

Eventually in 2004, my dad was able to open up his own little gym. The first of four gyms, maybe You’ve heard of it - Mendez Boxing. 

  In 2014 my dad Francisco Mendez was diagnosed with Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system which is part of the body's germ fighting network. It was a long and difficult journey but he fought through it and came out on top. Despite the significant progress, late in 2018 he relapsed, and the cancer came back. But no matter how hard things got, my dad never gave up, he refused to. I remember he'd tell the doctors and nurses and anyone he could… "I'm a boxer. I'm a fighter. Boxing keeps me healthy. I got this, soy un Guererro! ( I am a warrior)". Unfortunately, only after a few months in remission from a blood transfusion, the pandemic hit. My fathers body ability to fight off infections was still too weak and he got sick with Covid. Despite everything he had overcome, this was a fight he wasn't able to win. 

April 21st, 2020 my dad passed away due to covid. That year not only did I lose him but also the one thing he worked his whole life for, the gym. Mendez Boxing was forced to close. That year was tough to endure. To lose my father and alongside with him a dream of his that he worked so hard to make a reality was beyond heartbreaking. I have never felt so defeated like I did that year. 

But If there's one thing my dad taught me, it was to never give up no matter what obstacle came our way, we had to fight the fight and do it "sin miedo" (without fear). 

After losing it all and being at our lowest, we got up. In January 2023, “Mendez Boxing Harlem” opened its doors. Not only did me and my family manage to pick ourselves back up, but we revived his dream as well, which in a way also brought him back to me. By Keeping his legacy alive, we brought him back and me and my family couldn't be prouder. 

Haymakers for Hope has always been a very close charity to my family. My dad always looked forward to this time of year, he would talk about how incredible it was that it spread awareness for cancer cureness and how it would share the love of the sport all in one. 

 My father always believed in helping people, and he also believed in fighting for what you believe in. This is why I chose to step out of the sidelines and into the ring, to honor my father. Not only is this a way of honoring him but also a way that makes me feel closer and more connected to him. I strongly believe that this is a way i can help make a difference in someone else's life, whether it's contributing to cancer research or helping families in need of medical/financial help. My dad has always taught me to always fight and never give up, no matter how hard things may get, there’s always a chance. So if by stepping into the ring and helping raise money, i can help provide someone that chance to keep going, I want to do that. 

My dad would probably be shocked, but i know in my heart he would be so proud of me for stepping up and I know he will be with me every step of the way. So Join me in my journey to kick cancers ass!