Emily Martinez first Holland female boxer to win state Golden Gloves, reach nationals
Boxer from Eli J Boxing Club continues to inspire with Golden Gloves championship.
HOLLAND - As she awaited the judges decision, Emily Martinez could have been nervous, anxious or even scared. But the Holland boxer was calm and at peace. She knew she had done everything she could in the Michigan Golden Gloves state championship fight to win and when the announcement was made that she won the title, the calmness went away and she leaped in jubilation.
"I was confident but also had peace of mind. I wanted to show I could come back and fight better," Martinez said. "I was proud of myself.
I earned my way here. It means a lot to be Michigan champ. It shows everyone how hard I work.
" It has been a long road for the 29-year-old from Eli J Boxing Club in Holland, who started boxing after an abusive relationship . She became the first Holland female boxer to qualify for the Golden Gloves national tournament, which begins May 11 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "I feel like the odds are against me.