The world of boxing has welcomed countless souls into its fold; however, a few remain undisputed in its books. Champions like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, among many other great boxers, have inspired thousands of aspiring boxers to live their dreams. One such dreamer is Jerimiah Rios, more popularly known as Jay Smoove, who aims to be the next big thing in boxing.
We sat down with Jay and had an in-depth conversation about his ambitions, goals, achievements, and plans for the future.
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Who is Jerimiah Rios? When did you realize that boxing is your true calling?
Jay Smoove: I will respond to that question without even thinking: I am a boxer by heart and soul. I know that boxing is not something anyone can do, but for me, it’s always had a special place in my heart. I was 13 years old when I started boxing, it was a phase of exploration, and I was still trying to find myself. At that point, I had different options laid out before me, but as I hit 20, I found my true calling. I found peace while working out, and the only thing that kept me going was my progress, and it became my passion, before I even knew it.
What motivates you to keep on going?
Jay Smoove: As I mentioned earlier as well, my passion for boxing helps me progress. When it comes to what inspired me to be a professional boxer, well, I had made a pledge to myself that I’ll stay at the peak of my health throughout my life. What attracts me the most is the lifestyle, as athletes tend to live their dreams to the fullest while helping others and giving back to the community. I try to schedule and pull out some time for boxing without sacrificing family time; I also have to keep myself from overdoing it because having a suitable amount of rest for this sport is as important as gas to an engine. Sometimes things get messy. But I keep myself moving no matter how hard it gets.
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
Jay Smoove: I knew from the start that I was different from others; kids my age were interested in cartoons; meanwhile, I was watching videos of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Sugar Ray. Occasionally, after watching Ali’s matches, I used to try The Greatest boxer’s shuffle when no one was looking. I was 13, and it took me seven years to get a solid grip on boxing because I just wanted to take my time with it. Even now, whenever I step in the ring, the only thing I believe guarantees my victory is a sentence I always say to myself, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.”
You say you are your own inspiration; what makes you say that?
Jay Smoove: I really admire Mike Tyson, Naseem Hamed, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray, Floyd, and Pacquiao. I really look up to these legends, but what inspires me the most or has kept me going is my own progress. Instead of looking up to anyone else, I have turned my own growth into my motivation, and I think that anyone who wants to achieve something should have the same mindset.
What do you expect the end result to be? What’s your ultimate goal?
Jay Smoove: Life was pretty rough for me, which taught me a lot of things; people asked me where I got my training, and I always told them that time is the best teacher. It taught me, to the extent that I can say, boxing is not very challenging for me. I also believe that boxing has helped me absorb all my negative thoughts and release them in the ring. I plan my success in a step-by-step procedure. My ambition is to become the undisputed champion, and my vision is to give back to society until I feel I have given my 100%. Mostly because I know what it feels like to have nothing; I always wanted to provide for those who are less fortunate so our society can be a better place for everyone.
