Phoenix boxing legend looks to influence next generation of boxers in his neighborhood

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Earlier this year, the City of Phoenix honored Hall of Fame boxer, 1988 Olympic silver medalist and six-time world champion Michael Carbajal by dedicating the street he grew up on between 9th and 10th streets on Filmore Street as Michael Carbajal Way, where you can find him at his 9th Street gym continuing his passion.

“Always stay loyal to the soil,” he said. “I mean, it’s just like here where I live. I mean, I lived here on Filmore Street my whole life.”

When you speak of Arizona sports legends, Carbajal, who was born and raised in Phoenix, has to be the original.

“I’m always going to give back,” he said. “I mean, it’s just the way I am, you know, I’m from the neighborhood, so that’s the way I stay and that’s just my lifestyle.”

There’s no bigger honor than being named pound-for-pound fighter of the world, but with all the world championships that Carbajal has won, what the six-time world champion wants to see from these kids are champions of life.

“I had a lot of experience with the boxing game, so I’m here to help them out and here to help them be world champions,” he said. “Not only here inside the ropes but outside the ropes too!”

While Carbajal takes care of business in the ring, his wife Laura is all business as they get ready to expand their reach and soon introduce a $50,000 scholarship program to be awarded to those in need of tuition assistance.

“Laura’s been a big reason for it; she helped me out a lot,” Carbajal said. “I get emotional. She’s unbelievable. She keeps these kids in line.”

“Positive peer involvement, safe environment,” Laura said. “We are community advocates. We are able to connect them nutritional assistance, if they need any kind of legal assistance, if they need school supplies, clothing, we are able to resource them and connect them, provide for them ourselves if not connect them.”

Carbajal always tells the story about his late father telling him he would be a world champion and retire a champion. With that premonition fulfilled, he now speaks life into those who enter his gym.

“I want to help these kids become champions, and that’s what I tell them,” he said. “Always have that in your mind. Look at yourself in the mirror. I’m a world champion and say I love myself.”

Carbajal, who celebrates his 57th birthday this week, has had many offers for high-profile jobs but continues to make a difference in his barrio. They are currently in the works to start a literacy program as well.

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