One of my brothers, Eric, who is one year older than me, was actually the first one to start boxing, and being the youngest sibling, I wanted to do what he did, so I pushed my parents to let me join.

Before, boxing was something that I did. Now, boxing is who I am.

My parents actually wanted me to join the service.

The last Pan Am Games in 2011 was one of the best experiences in my career. It was the first time women's boxing was in the Pan Am Games and any major games, and I had the opportunity to box in the first women's boxing fight and then went on to win gold.

I remember the first time I stepped into the ring at age 16. I loved hitting things... but who likes getting hit?!

My parents are creative on many fronts, and they pushed me to be that way, too. They wanted me to write, actually.