B>U Feature: To be B>U, you need focus. Take it from Leanna and Leslie.

Leanna and Leslie boxing to life

There’s a spirit jumping around the gym. You can feel it, see it and meet it. In this case, the spirits were Leanna and Leslie. Their brightness, insight and confidence lie in the fact they want to punch you out. OK, maybe not. Only if you’re hangin’ with them in the boxing ring.

The heck with boxing, though. Spend some time with these girls (or young ladies) and you see the punching bag transcend to a basic wisdom one is glad to see for our future as a society. That’s quite the duality, eh? Takes a trained fighter to gain wise humility.

Leanna and Leslie both live with divorced parents and the challenges that accompany. As such, they thrive as students from the B>U inspiration, Delores Moreno, who spends her life teaching girls under her wing the wisdom of every day life both good and bad. Leslie and Leanna seem to be “A” students in that regard so let’s give the girls our kudos for their B>U spirit and inspiration.

(Oh, by the way, Leanna wants to be an undercover agent so be sure to make friends now. Just in case.)

Let’s hear it from Leanna on the impact boxing has made on her life.

Why boxing?

Boxing quickly became a part of me. At first, I had wanted to try doing basketball or softball again but after I heard about boxing I thought I should try it. After the first day I fell in love with it. The adrenaline rush I would get after a good 2 hour workout was unbelievable. I noticed I had become a lot more responsible, wouldn’t get as tired as easily, became more active, ate healthier, and most importantly, felt better about myself. It was also a great stress reliever. If I had a bad day and didn’t feel like anyone was there for me I would either go for a run or wait until 6:00 to head to the gym and hit the bag a few times.

How has boxing helped you in your daily life?

Boxing has helped me become a better person. It’s raised some of my grades, cured my procrastination habit, and helped me become a more outgoing person. Before, I was extremely shy and would not talk to anyone unless I had to. Now, I’ll walk up to total strangers and introduce myself or ask if they need help with something they may be struggling with.

What has boxing taught you?

Boxing has taught me how to be more responsible/respectful and how to never give up. It has also taught me to appreciate the values of life and push myself to work harder.

Describe your background.

My parents are divorced. My only brother from both my parents is currently in North Dakota, serving in the U.S. Air Force. I have one half brother from my mom and one half sister from my dad. Also, 3 step siblings from my stepmom. I have a pretty good life. I do, to this day, blame my father for my parents’ divorce. Which may also be another reason why I joined boxing. A place to escape the dislike I have toward him. A way to show people how much I’m hurting on the inside without saying a word.

With my brother being gone I do feel like I’m absent of a brother/mentor. He’s the only person I trust enough to tell him what ever is bothering me, knowing he can relate. Of course, I can also tell my mom (more so than my dad) but even she can’t relate as well as my brother. I know that both my parents love me but sometimes it feels as if they love my half siblings more or my older brother since he’s so far away. I have really good friends to whom I can tell anything and everything to that’s affecting me. They really help me sort things out and give me great advice if possible, as well as my older siblings.

Favorite sayings or mantras:

“A physical heart may beat solidly in your chest, but a fighter’s heart echoes through his soul.” - Doug Ward

“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can GET hit, and keep moving forward. It’s about how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” - Rocky Balboa

“I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” - Phillippians 4:13

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I want to be an undercover FBI agent or a detective.

Now, it’s Leslie’s turn regarding her pontification on her B>U wisdom of her life.

Leanna and Leslie in the ring of life

Why Boxing?

I wasn’t planning on joining boxing or boxing being part of my life one day. I got in it because I wanted to just work out during the summer and have something to do. A month passed and I realized this became my new passion. I had to chose between dance and boxing but something that I really like here was that I was able to have a communication with my teammates, something I didn’t have overthere at my dance studio. I became VERY attached with my coach and she’s become one of the most important person in my life! I respect her and admire her very much. We get along well and I can say that she’s become like a best friend for me. I love talking with her in her huge car listening to music full volume and just being able to talk to her and trust her with whatever I want.

How has boxing helped you in your daily life?

In life, boxing has taught me to be a more disciplined and a stronger person in the inside. To never give up on something no matter how hard it gets. If I want something, fight for it

Favorite sayings?

I’m scared every time I go into the ring but it’s the way u handle it. What I have to do is chew my mouth piece, plant my feet clear my mind and say lets go!!”