My kid's just one, but already throwing that left hook like his old man

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 6 mins read 60 Views

God. You know what's crazy? My little boy Henry isn't even two yet, but I swear he's already got that signature left hook. Not making this up. The kid watches me hit mitts and somehow picked it up without me teaching him a damn thing. Blood really is thicker than water.

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Three kids, one boxing legacy

So for those who don't know me well, I've got three beautiful children. My daughters Rylie (with my ex Catherine) and Bela (with Andrea), and then my son Henry who Andrea and I welcomed back in December 2023. Even though Andrea and I aren't together anymore, we're still tight when it comes to raising our kids. Had to be – teh kids always come first.

I named my boy after my dad. Makes sense, right? My pops introduced me and my brother Sean to boxing when we were just seven years old. Still remember those early mornings in the gym, complaining about being tired while Dad pushed us forward.

Henry Sr. still trains and corners for us. That connection never broke.

Like father, like son?

When I sat down with The Sun last week, they asked if I'd let my son box. Honestly, it's complicated.

"If I see him really wanting it, I'll have no other choice but to support him like my dad supported me," I told them. "Can't take that away from him if it's truly in his heart."

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. My dad gave me this incredible example of what it means to truly believe in your kid. How could I not pass that forward?

Plus, after everything I've been through in this sport – the good, the bad, the ugly – I know all the ins and outs now. Could make his path smoother than mine was.

Wait till you see this...

The craziest part? Henry's not even 18 months old and already showing signs.

"He already has the left foot though, which is crazy," I explained. "I'm not kidding. I do mitts and I didn't even teach him that, I guess it's in his blood!"

Watched him the other day trying to copy me while I was training. Nearly made me tear up. Andrea recorded it – probably gonna embarrass him with that video when he's a teenager.

From rock bottom to Times Square

Look, I've been through some shit. Not gonna pretend otherwise.

After that whole Haney situation – the positive test for ostarine (which I still maintain I never knowingly took), the mental breakdown, the hotel incident where I caused about £11,000 in damage... it was bad. Really bad. Darkest period of my life.

I remember sitting alone one night in July last year thinking I might lose access to my kids if I didn't get my act together. That scared me straight.

"As a father you've always got to be thinking about what examples you're giving to your children," I said during our interview. "And I think as a mature man, you have to realise your mistakes and make changes, no matter how they come about."

My kids deserve better than what I was showing them.

Friday night lights

Now I'm back. Fighting Rolando Romero this Friday in freakin' Times Square. We used to spar back in the day, and now we're headlining one of the biggest cards of the year. Funny how life works.

Served my 12-month ban. Paid nearly a million quid in fines. But I'm in a better place now – both mentally and physically.

And yeah, Haney's on the same card against Ramirez. Everyone knows we're on a collision course for a rematch later this year. I dropped him three times last time. Next time I finish the job.

But first, Romero.

"I'm feeling good. I mean, I'm just ready to go," I told them. "I may have been acting crazy last time around but I was still feeling good pretty physically, but for me this time around I feel good both, mentally and physically."

That's the difference. Head's clear now.

What fatherhood really taught me

Back in 2018 when Rylie was born, I thought I knew what being a dad meant. I had no clue. Each kid teaches you something different.

Henry's shown me that legacy isn't just about what you accomplish. It's about what you pass down.

When I watch him throw that little left hook, I see three generations of Garcia men connected by more than just DNA. It's about heart, dedication, and believing in yourself when nobody else does.

Whether he becomes a boxer or not doesn't matter. What matters is I'm here for him, just like my dad was for me.

And that's worth more than any championship belt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common mistakes that beginners make when they first start boxing?

Common mistakes include overextending punches, dropping the hands, ignoring defense, holding the breath, neglecting footwork, and focusing too much on power rather than technique. A coach with the right qualifications can help identify and correct mistakes before they become habitual.

How do you wrap your hands for boxing?

Hand wrapping in boxing is important to protect your hands from injury. Start by unwinding the wraps and placing the thumb loop around your thumb, extend the wrap over the back of your hand, and circle your wrist several times. Then, wrap the Velcro-fastened wrap around your arm.

How do I select the correct size and type boxing gloves?

Size and type of gloves you choose will depend on the activities you are doing (e.g. heavy bag work or sparring). Gloves can be measured in ounces. Many beginners start off with lighter gloves, such as 12oz. or 14oz. for training. As they progress into sparring, heavier gloves are used.

How long is it necessary to learn boxing?

The time it takes to become proficient in boxing varies widely among individuals, depending on factors such as natural ability, consistency in training, quality of instruction, and dedication to practice. With regular training, your basic skills could improve significantly within a few short months.

Boxing can improve mental health.

Boxing is a great way to improve your mental health. It can reduce stress, enhance mood, boost self-esteem and discipline. Focusing on the training can be a meditation that helps to improve concentration and clears the mind.

Statistics

Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.

External Links

How To

How to Throw a Jab in Boxing

The jab in boxing is the most fundamental of all punches. Start in a boxing stance and extend your lead arm straight toward the target. Rotate your fist to the point of impact so that your palm is facing down. Snap the hand back instantly to guard your face. It is important to use the jab both defensively and offensively.

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