In the squared circle it takes drive, discipline and sacrifice to win. The valley's Jose Ramirez has it all and a record to prove it.
"It's a sport that has become a part of me."
He's the number one lightweight boxer in the nation. Attempting to become number one in the world. But this chance has been 12 years in the making. His coach, Armando Mancinas has been there since day one.
"He drives himself to be number one and that hasn't changed since he was 8-years-old...He's got that desire to win."
It reflects in the gym. Twice a day, in the morning it's resistance training. No weights to make him explosive in the ring...
"Not only increasing power so he has that one punch knockout power and then he also has the ability to recover faster in between rounds."
He'll need that power... He's already faced off against two of the top ranked fighters in the world, and lost to one of them in decision. A minor set back.
"A champion is someone who works hard, who never gives up who continues and finishes what he started."
His quest for gold will culminate in London in a single elimination tournament, with five fighters standing in his way. And when that bell rings the valley will be watching.
You can catch all the boxing action, including Jose Ramirez, beginning on July 28th. The tournament runs through August 12th. You can catch all the Olympic action on NBC's Olympic website by clicking here.
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