The Inspiration of Now
The Inspiration of Now
S2 E1 // Guest: Jorge Del Rosal (Boxer)
Jorge Del Rosal is an amateur boxer who fought in the Junior Olympics and also fought on Mexicos national boxing team.
He is a Mexican American immigrant, seeking for the American Dream, with a strong determination to help others.
Jorge is an ambassador to promote the boxing culture in the younger generations.
Season 2 Sponsor - Boketto Cold BrewsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Welcome to the inspiration now podcast, I'm your host to more boots. And my goal is to inspire you through the different perspectives of each guest. Our guests will vary for musicians, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, athletes, artists, you name it. Each episode. I will be bringing on a new guest who I've been inspired by in one way or another, and want to share their inspiration with you. This season is proudly sponsored by bill kettle cold brew. Boccato cold brew is an LA based tea and coffee company using only fresh premium ingredients on this episode of the inspiration. Now I'd like to introduce our guests, George Dell, Russell George. Welcome to the show. Thanks. Thanks for having me. Of course. Thank you, George. So George fought in the junior Olympics and also fought on Mexico's national boxing team, which is amazing. George and I met in high school and he's really inspired me in so many different ways. And, uh, it's an honor to have him on the show and, uh, George, congratulations on all you're accomplished.
Speaker 2:Thank you. I mean, it's all of the hard work and dedication, right? I guess that something that you always got to do is whatever you do, you gotta, you gotta put your heart in it. And as long as you do that, I guess everything's gonna pay off.
Speaker 1:Right. And you're all so positive in each challenge you go through, you're always able to find a positive in that situation. Did you always have that mentality throughout your life? Or is this something you had to,
Speaker 2:I guess I've been born with this mentality age has been encouraged through the people I've met and all the disciplines I've been put through. But, um, I will say that, uh, well, you know, like I come from Mexico, I immigrated when I was 14. And, um, that was the, I guess the biggest change in my life that determined who I really am. But prior to that, when I was in Mexico, I went to a military school where, you know, the military discipline basically teaches you how to, uh, how to not give up on something. And, and well, the military discipline really gets into your mind in the mindset that no matter what you do, you have no limit. And if you break that mental limit that you please, then you'll be able to, to break that physical limit that you can break through. Okay.
Speaker 1:I see. And did you start this military training Academy before you got into boxing? Or were you already into boxing it
Speaker 2:This time? Uh, it's actually funny because I started military Academy before, prior, prior boxing. Right. And the only reason why I wanted to do boxing is because in the military school, they used to kick my. You know, like, I guess the military is so well, at least in Mexico, right? Because I know the American military system, they're more of a brotherhood, but in Mexico is more of, um, the survival of the fittest. The more fit you are, the better opportunities you have. And since I always wanted to be a leader, I guess that the only way for me to succeed was for me to create intimidation into others. Um, so I decided to pick up boxing because a lot of kids will pick on me. So, and I was a little chubby, so I was like, Oh, like, let's start with boxing. So it's something that my dad encouraged. And first time I stepped in the ring, I felt that connection with, with just being hit right as they go, Alice.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So you, you actually like getting hit, actually enjoy you're getting heady is really okay. All right. So George, when you first started boxing, did you, did you start boxing before you even transitioned from Mexico to the U S or did you start boxing once you got here to the U S
Speaker 2:I actually just started boxing in Mexico, started boxing in Mexico after a year. Uh, probably after your training, as I said, I was pretty chubby, so I couldn't fight because I was way too heavy. So I did my first fight in, um, in Mexico. And I was, as I was about to walk into the arena, I was like, Oh, what am I doing here? You know, like, do I really want to do this? Yeah. And I'm probably not. And then I was in the ring and then there's, there's the other person you're appointing in front of you. I was like, Oh, this is, this is about a good down then I'm a really ready, you know? And then you start thinking everything you did on, on training, but you don't take it to that level yet because like, it's your first fight. So like, you just know that you're going to fight, but you don't know that it's a sport that encouraged you to fight and be the best. And I remember, like, I turned around to my coach. I was like, I don't think I'm ready. You know, you know, he's like, this goal is do it. I was like, okay. Like, you know, like I wasn't ready, but because, because my dad was cheering, my mom was cheering. My sister was recording and everyone was recording of that. Oh, I can't even now I have to try harder. I have to fight. And you know, it happened, wow. Question. What did that first punch feel like? Right. So I feel like, and that's for every single fight I ever had. You very excited until you step in the ring, after this, seeing you name, you kind of like, okay, I'm chilling like mangers is you, you know, that you kind of like, okay, I'm ready to like start fighting. And then when the Marines, that's when you get nervous the most, until you get the first punch in your face, if he kinda, if he doesn't hit it hard, you're going to be like, okay, this is easy. But if he hits hard, then you're going to be like, Oh my God, I just walk into Hillary now, what am I doing for the next three minutes? You know, you try not to get, know, get punched because you know that he hits really hard
Speaker 1:Just hearing that. George makes me so glad I'm not a boxer because I would be terrified. And I, it sounds really intense. So I'm so glad I'm not out there getting punches to the face. Exactly that. So that's why you always
Speaker 2:Trying to be the first one to hit, right?
Speaker 1:Oh, that makes total sense. So, George, what I'm curious about is who's been a big influence in your life.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I guess my dad has been the biggest influence in my life. Just because us was your daddy. You should try to fall. That's the only person, you know, right. That's your first model. And he was my first model in a lot of things. And, and he was a paratrooper back in days in Mexico as well. He was a part of the[inaudible], which means paratroopers. So ever since I was a kid, I grew up with them, military mentality, somehow integrated into my life. Right. And, um, so yeah, he encouraged me to go to the, to the school that at first I thought it was going to be fun. And then the first month it was hell. I was like, Oh, I really don't want to be here, but I couldn't quite tell my dad. So I was, uh, I was encouraged that military school in the, in the school system, and then I had the same mentality back home. So I couldn't, I couldn't cry.
Speaker 1:Okay. I see. Yeah. You couldn't complain because your dad was the one who was like, Hey, you should get into this. So you felt weird if you'd be complaining back at home. So you kind of had just to take it in. Exactly. Okay. I see. So what was that relationship like with your father?
Speaker 2:Well, my dad, he's always been that supportive figure that I ever had in my life. Um, in the beginning, when I started the military school, uh, he was very supportive. He used to, you know, help me out with the uniforms, uh, teach me how to clean my boots, teach me, um, you know, he used to teach me a lot and some didn't that I'll always be grateful for, but, um, everything I ever done, it's always been supported by my dad. So I feel like he's the backbone of who I am.
Speaker 1:Right. Oh, I love that George, the relationship you and your dad had together, and that really goes to say a lot about who your father was as a person and how he supported you. So I love that. And, um, you said your dad was a police officer, right?
Speaker 2:Yeah. He was a police officer. Yeah. So he was also a police officer and recently passed away probably three years. It was on may 15, 2000, 2018.
Speaker 1:Wow. And I know you, and I've talked about this before George, and once again, I'm very sorry about your loss. And I can't imagine what that's like losing someone so close to you and losing that support. What kind of effects did that take on you and how did you overcome this?
Speaker 2:Right, right. Well, I should say something that I always ask myself too, but I guess that some people deal with different with grief and the way I felt it was like, Oh, occasional. Now my, my dad is gone. Um, I gotta do something with my life. I just can, can, can be crying for what just happened. And I guess this is life and, you know, we just comped happens and that's it. I gotta keep him going. You gotta keep moving forward. Or otherwise I'm just gonna not be the person who I promise my dad to be. Right. And I guess everything goes unknown with when I started the American dream, after I graduated from that many tiny institution that I'm talking about, God started to come to the United States because my dad said that I was thinking life too easy. And I wasn't, um, challenging myself in that. And if I really wanted to change challenge myself, then I would have, I would have, um, came to the United States and I was like, Oh, how come you send me? If I go, if I seen you at the dreamland, you're going to start crying and begging me to send you back in Mexico. And they go of bed, like, let's do it. Like, I really want to, I to prove you wrong. She's like, Oh, okay, well, I don't want you crying after three months. That's never going to happen. Did that? Okay. Then I'm gonna get your ticket, but I'm not going to get your ticket back. If you will, if you want to come back to Mexico, you gotta raise your money. I'm like, okay, then this is the way. And I came to the UAS, not knowing what I was about to face. Right. I was like, what? I couldn't complain to my that too. I get it right. Yeah. Couldn't convey to him because if I were to complain, they will keep it. Like I told you. Right. And I didn't want her to listen to that. So I guess I just had to make this experience other instead of it, and this is where I'm at now.
Speaker 1:Right? Oh, I love that, George. I love how your dad just sent you on a one way trip to the U S and no looking back. I think that's all great. I love what he did. You might not, but I love it. So when you first got to the U S what were in the first couple of months, let's say those three months, what were some of the biggest challenges you were facing at the time? Right.
Speaker 2:Well, I guess the biggest, the biggest varied that every immigrant freezes is the language barrier. I mean, I'm still learning English and it's kind of hard though, you know, and even if you know, a little English, that doesn't mean that you necessarily know the culture. Right. And if anything does the hardest thing to adapt to, because like you grew up knowing these Mexican cultures, and now you're encouraged to know the American culture in order for you to receive pathways with others, something that I was in here,
Speaker 1:Right. Sympathizing with others, and having that connection exactly. Relating
Speaker 2:To others initiatives that you've never been exposed to before.
Speaker 1:Right. And you know, for me, at least I went to, uh, Mexico for one month and I got set off by myself for this program. It was in Wahaca, Mexico. And the language barrier for me was so challenging because I first got there. And I remember there was like, uh, I had to go to the airport and these, like the host family picked me up and it was like a 45 minute drive to their own dead silence. Cause I didn't know any Spanish at all. So I totally see where you're coming from Georgia. But the language barrier is definitely difficult for anyone trying to learn a new language and especially trying to fit in with that new cultures, as you were saying.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it really is. And then not just the English or the language barrier, but on top of that, you've got to do with school. And on top of that, you've got to deal with kids that make fun of you because you don't speak English. Right. So like, how do you do that? Right. So how do you do that? If you, if you don't come with the right mindset and, um, keeping in mind that my mentor was like, Oh, I gotta put my, my dad wrong. Even though I love my dad. And then, like I said, like we had the greatest connection I ever had with anyone else. But, um, in the back of my head, I was just like, Oh, I can, I can quit. I, I, you scared. I keep them going. You know, I guess he goes back to the military mentality that, that I was encouraged going to that school, but I was like, Oh, like I have to learn English. Otherwise they're just going to keep on making fun of me.
Speaker 1:Right. Right. And how are you able to overcome this cultural barrier? Well, you
Speaker 2:Know, up to the day, I still with it, if people educate me and they think that it bothers me, but it really doesn't just because they're teaching me, you know, I mean, if I've come across with a lot of rude people that told me that they hear my accent and I say, you know, like I can do anything. I really can't. Even if I try, I just, I just have this thick accent because I'm still learning.
Speaker 1:I get frustrated just hearing that people will take the time to tell you that, like once you get frustrated.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I mean, it's kind of frustrating as you said, but I guess that, I mean, did you sit in the beginning? I'm a very positive person. I try to not take, um, negative comments into my personal life. So I just take it as, um, as a whole things, like, you know, I, up to that point, I take as a compliment. I even make fun. Like, you know, like they're trying to hurt my feelings, but it doesn't really hurt my fitness. So I just say, thank you. And I guess that he just bothers them more so, as I said, everything, that based on how you take, how you take everything in life. And if you, if you always take the positive of it, then I guess you always learning.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Always having that, you know, mindset and perspective of just knowing you're all you're going to grow as a person and having that positive mindset after you moved here to the U S you continued boxing. So then you move here to the U S and I know when you and I were both in high school at the time you were living with your aunt and uncle. Um, so how was the support from your mom and dad different from the support of your aunt and uncle?
Speaker 2:I mean, this part from my uncles was always, I think it was always there, but you also got to understand that I wasn't her kid, you know? Um, I mean, yeah, they did love me everything. They helped me a lot and taught me a lot somehow because of them. Um, I am great. I am now, but, uh, when it comes to the sport, they were like, Oh yeah, like, you're gonna fight cool. Like, Oh, you know, they're wearing, they didn't really know how serious I was taking this pro boxing. So, because that, you know, like you, you see the support, uh, not being fully there because you're like, Oh yeah, just to heavy or something.
Speaker 1:So they weren't fully supportive because they didn't realize how serious you were taking the boxing and that this was, you know, your passion and they just didn't understand that. Yeah. Right. And what was the biggest obstacle that stood in the way of you and of you and your aunt and uncle?
Speaker 2:Well, I feel so in terms of that, I guess the biggest obstacles within my uncles and, and me was that I didn't want to do things their way. So like that kind of student in between the two of us and kind of renewables.
Speaker 1:And during those, you know, I'm sure you were really frustrated during that. And like, what were you telling yourself that helped you get through those times to pursue your passion?
Speaker 2:I mean, as I said, like when you had to drive, when you have a drive, no matter what you do, and if you have a goal, I mean the type of person that if I have a goal, no matter how I do it, I have to do it. So like, it goes back to that mentality that I really wanted to do something. And I wasn't to pu I was, I wasn't going to let any barrier stop me from accomplishing what I really wanted to do. I mean, as you said, if there's no sacrifices before you even try something, then I guess big three, one tastes as good. So the more you sacrifice, the better everything tastes.
Speaker 1:Right. Well, I know from what we've talked about, um, and correct me if I'm wrong, you know, there was a point in your boxing career where you're at the height of like, you know, you're taking it super serious. You've, you've fought at, Joe's already junior Olympics. And there's a point where, um, I believe you had a match the same day, and then you and your aunt were having some issues. What happened that day?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Well, we were just having problems, you know, like as a boxer, you got to understand that when you're like fighting, you have nothing else to think of, but the fight, right? So, so I get to the fight and I was, I was, I was fighting me when my aunt over something, she kept on, brilliant off my phone. I'm about to step into the ring where you gotta wait, you gotta come up with that to me right now.
Speaker 1:Okay. I get it. So to clarify, you had a fight with your aunt earlier in the morning, then you have this match and she's texting you, calling you, blowing up your phone while you're trying to get in your zone and go and fight.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And then I stepped into the ring and I gave my first, I get the first drowning and I performed freshly. I couldn't really fight because I was thinking of something else or you're distracted. I was distracted. Exactly. I couldn't couldn't focus on the fight. I couldn't focus on my opponent. I D I wasn't there. So I was like, you know, like Alice, wasn't thinking on the fight. And I get to a coronary on my coach, goes like, Oh, like, what the is wrong with you? What are you doing here? Like, did you want to win? Yeah. I do want to hear you. Well, it doesn't seem like, like stop thinking wherever you're thinking, focus on the fight. Like you're here right now. Come on, give me your base. I know you're not giving me your best. Let's do it. And you know, like, it's kind of hard for you to, to focus on a fight when you have a lot of things going on behind that, I feel like that's the reason why professional boxers are professionals, just because they know how to deal with their emotions before going into ring. They know how to deal with like cam training. They know how to do a lot of things. That I'm a true amateurs. Don't really know how to. So like, as I said, like after, after I had that little talk with my coach, he was living in a minute. I went back into the ring for the second round. I was like, okay, like, you know, like, I'm here, I'm fighting. Let's let's fight. You know what I mean? Problems can be, can wait. Um, I'm cured than boxing. So let's do boxing.
Speaker 1:Right, right. Oh, that's great, George. And you're there to do boxing. So focused on the boxing and your problems can wait. Exactly. So what were some of the biggest life lessons that you've taken away from boxing?
Speaker 2:I feel like, as I said, boxing is a very disciplined sport F never really well. I've done soccer when I was skit, would I never really enjoyed to be playing with, with other people just because I'm the type of person that like, I like to always lead and I like to be in charge. And when I was playing soccer, since I wasn't that good, I wasn't, I wasn't able to be in charge. And I feel like, um, in a sport that you play with others, doesn't really victory. Not as good. Let's say like that. I mean that, that's just my personal abuse. So like, what I like about boxing is that if you work hard enough, you see you, you see you hard work and it's not, it's not, it doesn't depend on anyone else, but yourself and the type of love you put into the sport. And, you know, boxing is just the type of sport that makes you sacrifice a lot. That when you sacrifice enough, you realize how much, how far you've gone because of sacrifices you you've done. So I feel like something that boxing has taught me is to not give up easily. That's one and two is for you to take everything you have, you know, everything, every, every time you're going to perform, you got to try your best, no matter what you do. And do you know another thing that boxing Tommy is that if you it's okay for you to fall, it's, it's okay for you to lose, but you always gotta learn from, from, from your loss, because then you actually lost. But if you, if you learn, then it's not, it's not a no, it's a lesson. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Oh, I liked that a lot, George, like, you know, you can, you may not succeed the first time, but that's fine because if you learn from that, that's winning and itself. And I actually have never heard it in that perspective before. And I think that's super powerful. And that speaks with me big time. And you know, you might fail five, 10, 20 times at which doing, but that doesn't matter because if you're learning each time you're winning and that's just going to get you closer and closer to what you're wanting to achieve.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah, that's right. But you also got to keep a positive point of view or on how you see things. Because if you're not a positive person, then you're going to be like, Oh, I'm gonna lose. You know what? Like if you stay positive and what you do, then life is going to reward you. Right.
Speaker 1:I love that mentality. Jorgen. I love the positivity you carry. I know that right now, you're coaching a little bit. You're also working still training. And I know you, we talked about that. You have plans on opening up a boxing gym facility. That's right.
Speaker 2:Well, I'm trying to, uh, I'm trying to help out the community. Um, I'm trying to help out the kids from Riverside we'll right now and place our Riverside because I go to UCR and I feel well. I mean, once you step into a boxing game, you'll know what I'm talking about. The, by the boxing gym is just family. Right. I could tell you that. That's where I found my second family. And I'm really grateful for that because not everyone gets to experience that, you know? So I just want to give kids opportunity for them to find a place where they get to be themselves. Do they get to better themselves? And they get to think of good things, because if you, if you think of good things, good things are gonna happen to you, right.
Speaker 1:Oh, and I love that alone, George. And I know for a fact, I'll be visiting one day in person, which will be awesome. So with this being seasoned too, at the end of each episode, I have a question that's prepared by one of our listeners. And that question will be answered by our guests. Okay. That's pretty dope. Yeah. Yeah. So this question is by C and the question is what is the best advice you've ever received and the worst advice you've ever.
Speaker 2:Okay. That's a good one. And I guess it has to do a lot with the way I think. So I was a little kid. I was probably six years old playing with an action figure that had a little a parachute. Right. So what I used to do, I used to go on the second floor in the back in the house in Mexico. And I'll be my action figure and departure will open. And, you know, like a paratrooper, something that I always wanted to do, you know, my dad was a parachute producer, like, as I said, everything was related. So I was playing with my action, your and I threw the action figure. And when he landed, he broke the leg and I started crying. I started crying and my dad was sleeping. So I go crying to my dad with the, with one leg in my hand. And in the other hand, holding the action figure and I started crying. I was sobbing. I was like, Oh duh, I broke my action figure, please. Hell yeah. Obviously I was solving, well, I was, I wasn't little kicked anymore. Right? Yeah. And my dad, he was kinda mad, frustrated at same time. And he goes like, listen, everything has in solution has a solution in life. Everything you do has a solution in life, no matter what you do, even if you messed up, it's okay. You, you get to try it again. Right. Right. Yeah. There's always a solution except for death. When you die, you die. But besides that, no matter what you do, there's always a solution and a stuff for you. So like, yeah. You might not like the consequence of your action put there. So is there so always consequences and there's always a way for you to solve that. You might not like to do the work for you to solve what you cost for. There's always, there's always a wish for you to fix it. Right. Wow. I like that.
Speaker 1:If you're not dead, there's always a solution to your problems. Exactly. And the second part of that question is what some of the worst advice you've received?
Speaker 2:No, I kind of disagree on that. I feel like every advice has some positive Intuit, just because you, you work that we want to I'll feel like any advice really brings you something wrong into your life because it's up to you to, for you to take it or not. Right.
Speaker 1:I liked that. I liked that a lot because you're, it's up to you to pick and choose what you take away. And there's always something to learn from that. And I think that just showcases your mentality as well as having that positive mindset. So Maria, thank you for that question. And last but not least, George, what was the motivational and inspirational quote you prepared for us today?
Speaker 2:Right? So the quote, um, again, my childhood was living in Mexico, so therefore it has to be a Spanish and, uh, the quote goes like[inaudible], which means, uh, they, I can't does not exist in your dictionary.
Speaker 1:So the quote is the words I can't does not exist in your addiction.
Speaker 2:Right? Exactly. So if the word can't does not exist in your dictionary, you can use it. And there's no limits for you because no matter what you do, you can say, I can't, because you're going to keep on trying and train and train once you get it. Right. And you know, like it goes back to the idea of not giving up ECD. So I feel like, you know, it was encouraged when I was little. I w I said, I was a crybaby, I'll cry for everything. Uh, I'll be one of those. That'd be like, Oh yeah, like I can do a mom. That's too hard. And my mom will tell me, Oh, no, they can't word doesn't exist. How are you going to tell me that if I, if you really want it, you're going to go ahead and do it. It might take you longer. It might be hard, but you able to do it. Right. I mean, we all able to do everything, but we just don't want to do it. We don't want to deal with the stress behind that. We don't want to do with the work behind that. But at the end date, you able to,
Speaker 1:Ah, did I love that George? And I think that ties back in definitely into the whole, your whole boxing career in life and everything you've been through in life, the challenges, the sacrifices, you know, fighting for, uh, Mexico's national boxing team, going to junior Olympics and just all that, that mindset and what we've learned from you in this episode and everything you've put into your boxing is why you achieved what you did and where you got, and, uh, continue to achieve George. Thank you again so much for your time, your insights, motivation stories, and, um, you know, each episode I have with each guest, it's always opening new perspectives for me and just new viewing things in a different light and perspective. So I'm always grateful for that. I'm grateful for your time. And thank you again, George.
Speaker 2:No, thank you, Timor. Thanks for everything. I said, you taught me a lot in high school and trust. I still using everything you taught me and is being helpful. And it's been a pleasure to meet you.
Speaker 1:I appreciate it, George. And same right back at you. I'm so glad we met and been able to keep in contact ever since. So thank you again, George. And I look forward to sharing this episode with the audience and all your inspiration. Thanks again, George. Thank you. Thanks again for tuning into this episode of the inspiration of now podcast, I hope you took away a new perspective and motivation from our guests. I want to thank Boccato cold-brew for being this season sponsor and reproductions productions for creating our theme song. I look forward to our next episode and I'll catch you all on the next one.