Former A&M football player Marquez Johnson ready for US Boxing Championships

Key notes from Marquez Johnson interview

• When I moved back to Dallas, it was hard to balance everything. Not playing football gave me more time. I moved back in with my mom, and it gave me a lot of time to focus on my boxing stuff and get into my routine with Texas A&M law school.
   
• Part of me choosing A&M's law school was it allowed me more exposure in the boxing world. I've been sparing with pro athletes. While I'm an amateur, I have noticed — and professionals have noticed as well — that I could go a long way in the pro world. A lot of people put me in the right position, and I got invited to the USA Boxing National Championships in Shreveport at the end of March. You're guaranteed three fights, and you keep going as you win to get nationally ranked. Depending on your ranking, you'll become an Olympic hopeful. If I win this tournament, I'll fight in May for a chance to be in the Olympics should an Olympian get hurt or need to withdraw. My good luck charm, my Aggie ring, is going to get me there.
   
• In this tournament, you're fighting every single day. I can fight both orthodox and southpaw. I can flip it on people when they think they've got me figured out. That is super rare in the pro world. Typically you want to focus on one side, but it has worked in my favor. I offer something that is not seen on a daily basis.
   
• I'm focused on winning this tournament. I've been working my ass off over the last couple of months. Most of my training has been at night, working around classes and stuff. I'm doing a lot of reading and studying and a lot of case studies for law school.
   
• I've noticed a ton of support from Aggies. I need help with hotels and booking for the tournament in Shreveport. We have to cover our own rooms for at least six days. I'm also responsible for my meals. Helping with that allows me to focus on what I need to do in the ring rather than all the other stuff.

You can donate to Marquez’s efforts HERE