r Two boys from Payson, Aaron T, Garcia age 13, and Austin Leonidas Garcia, age 8, are going to participate in boxing in the national Junior Olympics in Charleston, West Virginia.
Aaron “Maximus” Garcia is a boy who has pretty much dedicated his life to hard work. He was born a fighter as his grandpa said when he first saw him, “he has hands of a boxer.” When Aaron was just two years old he would watch his father train jiu-jitsu and would imitate the warm ups they would do in the waiting area, trying to do a sit up or a push up. That’s where it all started. At the age of four he knew his jab and right hand, and at five he knew to take down and submit. He spent hours learning all these skills with his father, giving all his little heart could to master his father’s instructions. He started his boxing journey at eight, winning fight after fight. Whenever he encountered losses it would only encourage him to train harder and learn from his mistakes. He has fought tough opponents from Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, California and just recently won the Regional tournament in Longmont, Colorado. That leads to boxing in the Junior Olympics in West Virginia this month. Ultimately, his goal is to participate in the Olympics and succeed as a professional boxer. His idols are Oscar De La Hoya, Saul Alvarez, and Manny Paquiao.
He lost his little brother, Adan Maximus Garcia, in a drowning accident at Yuba Lake in 2009. His heart was broken. Even though Aaron was too young to understand the facts of life, he knew he had the responsibility to carry on the memory of his brother and that Maximus is with him in every battle, whether it is a boxing match or any challenge in life.
As a teenager, he loves any challenge that comes his way. His mind is set and focused on one thing and that’s success. His mentality has been formed to overcome any obstacle, and if he doesn’t succeed the first time, he pushes harder the next time. Giving up isn’t an option because he is still young, and he knows there are so many possibilities awaiting him. Aaron also excels in school, bringing home A’s in all courses and is helpful to his classmates. His teachers admire his great personality and how respectful he is to his elders and classmates.
Other than boxing Aaron also studies the art of karate, and he has competed in many jiu-jitsu tournaments winning the nationwide known Naga tournament and the S7 grappling/jiu-jitsu belts. He is a national and state wrestling champion. He is by far a special boy who will master these skills. He dedicates his free time to be the best and to fulfill his dreams. There are no limits in dreams and his father and family support him every step of the way. Because the journey to success is a bit tight on his family’s budget, they are asking for donations to help Aaron thrive in his journey to success. All proceeds will go to the travel expenses, the one week stay for four people, the fighting apparel, and equipment. To donate to Aarron use gofundme.com/aaron-maximus-jr. For information call Bertha Flores at 801-836-6484.r
