Ismael Villarreal, a boxer from the Bronx, developed what had been just for fun and games into a prospective professional career.
Villarreal initially entered the ring as a kid, just having fun. But Otilio Villarreal, the father of Villarreal, was a professional boxer who competed in the 1990s against some of the sport’s top names.
Villarreal, who is currently 12-0, will face a challenger on Friday night who could improve his chances of winning the championship.
Ismael presently works a day job as a physical therapy assistant in addition to boxing.
Showtime will air the battle between Villareal and Saturday. Villarreal claims that if he succeeds, he will quit his other profession and devote all of his time to boxing.
