Miguel "Macho" Hernandez

 Bio, Photos, Training Tips, Interview and Fight Recaps

Bio

Full name  Miguel Hernandez
Nickname-Alias  Macho 
Birth Date NA
Current home town  Chicago, Illinois
Birthplace  Chicago, Illinois
Height

Weight  159
Manager 
Trainer/Gym  Sam Colonna/ Windy City
Amateur experience/ Records/ Titles 
Professional record/ Titles   BoxRec

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Interview conducted in 2004

Who recommended you to go to Team Doctors, and why did you go there?

Fellow boxers referred me, so I went to Team Doctors because of an elbow injury. But soon after I started there I began working on my knees, the circulation in my legs, and my shoulder.

I understand that you got training advice from Team Doctors. What did you learn from the advice you got there?

The most important thing that I learned was repetitive exercises. No stopping, no rest. At first I thought, this guy is crazy. But I quickly got used to the exercises, and I went from 220# down to my current weight of 160#. His training exercises are GEARED for boxing! And the AB workouts are unbelievable!

What did you like most about the strength and conditioning advice that you got at Team Doctors?

The AB workouts were most important to me. He made AB workouts fun and motivating!

What are some training secrets that you have learned at Team Doctors?

Most importantly, watch what you eat. Also, work out hard, and don't stop early because you feel tired.

How does the strength and conditioning regiment differ from the sit-ups and jump rope that are the norm at boxing gyms?

Dr. Stoxen uses weight training for arm strength conditioning. But ti's lighter weights with more reps (note: most boxing gyms shy away from weight lifting for fear of bulking up and losing mobility).

How has the strength and conditioning effected your;

Speed?

Because of the weight loss, I am quicker. And the reps allow me to throw more punches per round.

Power?

I have much more power now. I also have better extension, and faster punches.

Protection from body shots?

My ABs are harder, and I am better able to take body shots. It's also easier to breath after taking shots to the body.

Foot work?

I have better balance, and stronger legs with better circulation, which was a problem in the past. Weighing less also helps with my foot work.

Confidence?

Definitely, in a good way. You can intimidate opponents by showing up in better shape than them.

Weight management?

It was hard at first to come down in weight, but now my body is used to it and I can eat whatever I want as long as I am smart about it.

What has been the most notable change in your performance due to your strength and conditioning regimen?

I don't get tired that easily. My stamina has increased, and my head and foot movements have improved.

Have you had any trouble with diet, weight loss, and loss of strength with your current training regimen?

Not at all, I still have the power I had when I weighed 60 lbs. more. And now I feel good!

What would you like to improve in your performance?

I want to box more, and refine my boxing skills.

What has been your best fight to date?

Dec. 19th against Chris Troup. We were both undefeated and we had a very close fight. Chris challenged my boxing abilities. I thought I won the decision as well as many of the fans, but the judges gave the dec. to Troup.

What has been your worst fight to date?

My last fight in April of 2004 vs. Lamar Johnson. I was a little under the weather and I didn't do what I wanted to do.

What has been your most memorable moment in boxing?

Getting to see my son fight for the first time at 7 years old.

What is your greatest asset or skill that makes you a good fighter?

My heart and determination! Also, that I can hit with power in both hands.

What areas of your training are you currently focusing the greatest efforts to improve?

I want to improve my head movement. I also want to start using more jabs to keep opponents at my distance, more combinations, and more patience.

Who were your boxing rolemodels, growing up, that inspired you?

Most importantly, were my father and uncle who would box with me. Then of course there was Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Julio Cesar Chavez, and now Miguel Cotto.

Who would you like to fight in your future?

I would love to fight Fernando Vargas. I would also love to fight Miguel Cotto, but he is much lighter than me.

What do you regret in your career thus far?

Absolutely nothing!

What are your plans for the near future?

Hopefully to fight for the Illinois State Title, maybe with my son on the undercard of a Pro/Am card.

What is your regimen in the week after you have had a fight? When do your start training again? How often do you spar? Strength and conditioning? Boxing drills?

I take maybe a week off. When I return, I do about a week of cardio vascular training. Then in the third week I start sparring, unless a cut or injury prolongs that. Then full training after that.

What advice would you give a young Golden Gloves fighter?

Learn discipline and respect. Stay humble, never be cocky. Workout as hard as you can. STAY IN SCHOOL ! And dedicate yourself to the sport if it's what you really want to do. Finally, be prepared for your first loss. Even the best fighters lose one. Know that you did your best, and if you lose, take it with dignity.

What is your current training regimen? IE, Running, jumping rope, wind exercises, boxing, etc.

I am running four miles a day, seven days a week. Jump rope for 15-20 minutes daily. I spar at least four rounds on Mon. Wed. and Fri., 6 rounds on the body bag, 6 rounds on the double end bag, 6 rounds on the speed bag, crunches, and 6 rounds of padwork on the days that I don't spar.

What are your favorite strength and conditioning exercises that you feel benefited you the most?

The AB workouts definitely, and the leg strengthening.