ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Adam Jaco

Adam Jaco knows how to take a punch. The second-generation boxer grew up in Sarasota and attended Sarasota High School and now runs his own gym, where he works and also trains for professional boxing matches. Although Jaco’s professional career had a few setbacks early on due to injuries, Jaco has been hitting the ropes since he was young and loving every minute of it.

How did you get into boxing?
I got started in boxing at an early age. My father was a professional fighter, so I’m a second-generation fighter. I did it my whole life growing up; I always trained with my dad and went to the gym with him. Funny story is, he never really wanted me to box, nor my twin brother, but it’s something we kind of fell into. We trained every day with him, yet he’d say, “Don’t be fighters, don’t be fighters.” I loved it from the very beginning, for sure.

Which fighter do you admire?
I admire Oscar de la Hoya, probably. Maybe not so much as a fighter, but as a businessman. I think he did a lot for the sport. He brought a lot of people to the sport who weren’t boxing fans otherwise.

What is next when it comes to your career?
My next step with my career is hopefully fighting for the Florida State Super Middle Weight title … we will see from there. I’m really looking forward to becoming a trainer, as well. I have a couple of prospects as far as amateur fighters, and I look forward to the rest of my career in boxing as far as being a trainer and maybe manager. I would love to develop a kid and have a world champion someday.

Contact Rachel O'Hara at [email protected]

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