Erin Jones was in a bad spot. Battling grief, anxiety, and depression, she heard from a fellow bartender that Tequila Cazadores® was bringing the Bartender Boxing Organization to Portland. But the second she stepped in the ring, she knew she was on a better path.
Below, she discusses the challenges of sparring, the joy of having teammates, and above all, the importance of physical and mental fitness.
What drew you to the Bartender Boxing program?I was introduced to BBO through a friend that had applied and asked for a reference. When I looked into the organization, I decided to apply myself as it sounded like an incredibly challenging experience. I was struggling emotionally at the time with grief, anxiety and depression, and saw this as an opportunity to focus on something positive and healthy.
I played sports in high school and became a runner a few years ago, but after the first boxing session, I knew this was a completely different beast. This was extremely difficult but I knew if I made it through that first practice, I might be able to make it through the remaining weeks.
What was your favorite part of training?Sparring. Stepping into the ring takes an incredible amount of focus and concentration. Facing off against an opponent is a tremendous mental challenge. You try to anticipate their moves while focusing on your own technique, all while trying not to get hit. It's like being a piece on a chess board and not knowing where the next attack will come from.
My first time sparring, I broke down in tears—it was that emotional. I could not expect how jarring it would be, but I was facing some demons and had to push through. I particularly loved being physically challenged on a daily basis and pushing my body and my mind to work harder and get better.
Above all, I loved being part of a team again. There is something truly great about being held accountable every day to show up, work hard, and challenge everyone around you to be better. I never wanted to let my team mates down. I really love that aspect of sports.
While boxing is an individual sport, you work with a team to become a better fighter. After you have sparred two or three rounds with a teammate—giving everything you have, sweating through your clothes—you hug each other because you've survived the battle. You’ve both come out a stronger version of yourself. Out of the ring you are friends, inside it's a different story. But there is an amazing level of respect in all that.
Ultimately, what did you get out of participating in the program? What did boxing reveal to you about yourself?The BBO experience made me realize that I am so much stronger and capable than I had given myself credit for. Not just physical toughness but mental toughness as well. I lost 27 pounds in twelve weeks, and at 40 I am in the best shape of my life.
That is second by far to how it helped me grow mentally and emotionally. I'm able to face challenges I wasn't able to before this experience, and the mental strength needed to step into the ring is something I now carry with me every day. I'm in a much better place than I was four months ago and I am forever grateful to my team mates and everyone at Tequila Cazadores and the BBO for this program.
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