Jodie Esquibel - World Ranked Professional Boxer
By John Fullilove, jacksons.tv
Click here to check out a video interview of Jodie Esquibel with Sal Mora.
jacksons.tv: Can you describe you background athletically before you starting training?
Jodie Esquibel: I started training when I was 14 years old. My first fight was when I was 15 years old. It’s a funny story prior to starting fighting. I did drill team and dance stuff. I never had any intentions of fighting. I just wanted to stay in shape. After about 9 months of being with Wink I tried my first amateur fight and the rest is history.
jacksons.tv: Coming from dance and doing dance competitions were you in good shape for training?
Jodie Esquibel: I did do dance competitions. I thought I was in good shape. But coming to a sport like this nothing compares to it. I was in decent shape but nothing close to fighting shape, no way.
jacksons.tv: Can you explain your intentions why you started training?
Jodie Esquibel: My intentions weren’t to fight. I never thought I would want get in the ring and punch people. More and more after conditioning, classes, getting in shape cardio wise and getting used to getting hit you become to love it more and more. After my first fight I knew this was it.
jacksons.tv: How did you choose to train with Coach Winkeljohn?
Jodie Esquibel: I’m extremely blessed and lucky that my dad and I picked the right gym. Honestly, we had a couple of lessons lined up with a bunch of different trainers and he happened to be the first gym. I went in to his gym and that was it. I didn’t go to any other gym after that. So, it was just luck.
jacksons.tv: What was the reason you chose to start training and leave dance?
Jodie Esquibel: I always watched boxing with my pops and my brothers. We were always into the sport. It was something that I knew would be fun and something I wanted to try out. Who would have thought, I never dreamed I would be where I’m at now.
jacksons.tv: Can you describe how you have developed as a fighter from the first time you came into the gym up until now?
Jodie Esquibel: It’s crazy. I go back and I have the tape of my first fight. It’s great to watch. Wow, you stood there and brawled and held your breath for three minutes. Mike Winkeljohn and Greg are just geniuses. Everyday you learn something new and I haven’t stopped learning. From the first day, from the first fight I have constantly evolved as a fighter. Every fight, everyday I learn something new and I’m still learning.
jacksons.tv: How did Coach Winkeljohn help you develop as a fighter?
Jodie Esquibel: Footwork had to come first. I am a smaller fighter. I think sometimes I get caught up trying to fight as a bigger fighter. Footwork was something I learned first. I knew I was faster than others and footwork could get me out of trouble faster. Footwork was first and then believing in my punches. I feel like I have never hit anyone as hard as I can in a fight. I want to get there. I’m still developing believing in my hands and believing in being able to sit down on punches. I want to be a stronger fighter not just a faster fighter. Footwork, believing in my hands - hopefully that will be the full package.
jacksons.tv: Can you describe what it is like to have Coach Winkeljohn in your corner for a fight and what it was like when you fought in Korea for a championship?
Jodie Esquibel: Winkeljohn in my corner is something that I can’t really ever explain. He’s a very calming presence. How are you supposed to be calm in a fight? But, you go back to your corner and it’s like everything is going to be alright. You catch your breath. He talks to you and makes you understand 
what’s going on. I can’t explain the comfort. Winkeljohn walks in the room and it’s time to start warming up for the fight. You feel ok. Before a fight your nerves are going crazy and once he walks in, it’s indescribable. Having Winkeljohn in my corner, especially in Korea, nobody spoke English, if felt like we were up against the whole country. But it was ok, I felt fine, my nerves were calmed by him. He’s very clear and he speaks very easily because you don’t understand a lot after getting punched in the face. He’s awesome. He’s one in a million. He’s great. He’s the best out there.
jacksons.tv: How do your training partners help you out here at the gym?
Jodie Esquibel: I think that’s why the team, not only for boxing but MMA, and everyone is where they are now; it’s because of the team. We have numerous sparring partners with so many different styles. The team has so many people who are willing to help you get ready. The team is extremely lucky and I am extremely blessed with all the girls that are here helping me. Holly, Michelle, Julie, Heather and everyone who stays after class and come early and helps. We all want everyone to do really well. I think that is why everyone is where they are, because we are such a good team.
jacksons.tv: What would you say about young girls who see you on TV and other women fighters here at the gym?
Jodie Esquibel: Hopefully we are we are putting out a positive image. Someone they can look up to. We try to hold ourselves to a high level of integrity and dedication. Provide something that people can work towards. This is a beautiful thing that we have here. I think in some instance the gym saves a lot of people from being in trouble or getting off the streets. I hope that’s a positive thing that people can look up to. It’s a lot different in the sport for females and girls even from just a couple of years ago. I think it’s more and more accepted. Hopefully we are putting that positive vibe out there for people to look up to.
jacksons.tv: How are you feeling about you upcoming fight in December?
Jodie Esquibel: I feel good and I am excited. It’s been over a year and half since I fought here in Albuquerque. I’m excited to sleep in my own bed before the night of the fight. I’m excited to have my parents, friends, family and co-workers here (to watch). I’m excited to be fighting at home. I’m extremely lucky to have the team I have to prepare for this fight. It will be a good show. I’m excited to fight on Holly’s undercard and it will be a good night.
jacksons.tv: Would you like to thank anyone?
Jodie Esquibel: I would love to thank Mr. Winkeljohn and I wouldn’t be here without him. He’s my hero. He’s taught me so much inside and outside of the ring. I’ve grown as a person just being around him for this amount time. Greg is always around and helping too. I would like to thank Lil John "The Magician" Dodson, he is also there to help no matter what. Also, I would like to thank all of my teammates and everyone working out here. I wouldn’t be here without them so thank you to everyone.
RSS