Outside the Ring with Yoseline perez
For 21-year-old Yoseline Perez, 2025 was a year of success, as she continued to make her name known worldwide in boxing, capturing medals at all four international tournaments she entered. Her impressive run included a silver medal at the Elite World Championships, adding to her gold from the 2022 Youth World Championships. The Houston native sat down with the Foundation for an exclusive Q&A before her first international tournament of the year gets underway on February 23 in Bulgaria.
INTERVIEWER:
First off, how did you get started in boxing?
YOSELINE:
My older brother, Erick, wanted to box, so my dad waited until all my brothers were old enough to start boxing, and then he began paying for their boxing classes. I had to go every day and just stay in the car with my mom while I watched them train. I wanted to learn how to fight as they did, but my parents didn’t want that for me. They said boxing wasn’t for girls and I could get hurt, which made me want to do it even more. One of the coaches helped me convince my dad to let me start training with them, and that’s what kept me going for a while—my parents saying it wasn’t for girls, and I just wanted to prove them wrong.
INTERVIEWER:
Your family and boxing have remained intertwined since you started, as your father and brother coach you, and you have another brother who is a professional boxer. What is it like having that support, as well as having a brother in the sport to relate to?
YOSELINE:
I couldn’t have asked for a better support system. I love having my dad and my brother as my coaches. They have truly helped me get to where I am today, and I don’t think anyone else could’ve done so. On top of that, having my other brother be a professional boxer makes it easier to talk to him because I know he understands me better than anyone, and we constantly help each other when things get hard.
INTERVIEWER:
Last year, you capped off a great year with a silver medal at the Elite World Championships. Looking back at that moment, what did it mean to you, and how does this help you on your journey to the 2028 Olympic Games?
YOSELINE:
Gaining a silver medal at the Elite World Championships was one of the most alleviating moments in my career. This was the tournament we worked towards all year, and I made it to the finals. I could not be more grateful for how God provided me the strength, comfort, and wisdom to get me through those Championships and every tournament I had last year. I could not have done this on my own, so now I put my confidence in the One who does not fail. He’s done more than enough for me to believe that anything is possible, even when I don’t believe in myself. Learning that was my proudest achievement last year, because now I’m not worried about the future but instead looking forward to what lies ahead with confidence in the One who redeemed me. I’ve made it this far with faith, so why change that now?
INTERVIEWER:
What would you say has been your proudest moment or moments that made you realize you have what it takes to be one of the best in the world?
YOSELINE:
My proudest moment in the sport, which made me realize I had what it takes to be one of the best in the world, was winning Gold at my very first international competition. At those Youth World Championships, I was especially uneasy because I did not believe that I had what it took to be number 1 in the world, but since I was a few days away from the tournament starting, I had no other option but to believe. I began reading my Bible and my daily devotionals, and that was all it took for me to have the faith I have today. That faith got me through that tournament in a dominating fashion, making me number one in the world. I learned that day I was not alone. After seeking God, everything changed.
Another moment I was proud of, and one that once again completely changed me and how I viewed myself and the sport, was right after that tournament. I couldn't win, no matter how hard I tried or how much work I put in. I couldn’t believe that as soon as I started to believe in myself, I could no longer win a tournament. I lost all confidence in myself once again, but I did not stop trying. The final blow for me was losing in the Pan American Games. It took a lot out of me that year to make it there, and I couldn’t believe I lost my opportunity to qualify for the Olympics on the first day. I no longer had it in me. It wasn’t over yet; I could still come back and try to qualify for the next one, but I no longer had it in me; I'd lost that spark. However, I still did not stop trying even after losing my confidence and losing all motivation for my dreams. I’d get up, keep training, and keep fighting because I had faith. I had faith that God would provide for me. I did not know what that would look like or when it would happen, but I just had faith. It took me a little over a year of remaining still to come back and make the team again, and to make it to the finals in every international competition last year. God is providing, and I’m accepting and receiving. I have peace and joy; no one can take that away from me now because I put my trust in the Lord. No matter what happens next, I’m so happy I gave my life to Him, and because of Him, I have all I need to believe I have what it takes to be one of the best in the world.
INTERVIEWER:
After your successful 2025, what’s the biggest thing you and your teammates need to achieve even more success this quad heading into LA?
YOSELINE:
We need more international camps and international competitions to be successful in LA 28. Working with as many countries as possible, as much as possible, will help us gain the experience and exposure we need heading into LA. Also, investing in more coaches and staff is essential, and I was able to affirm that by witnessing the top teams in the world. For example, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China have practically as many coaches as fighters, and some even have their own personal coaches. These top countries also offer significant financial support and benefits to their athletes, so I believe we could really benefit from more stipends for boxers working their way towards the Olympics.
INTERVIEWER:
Why do you think it is important for people to join the TEAM28 program or donate and support USA Boxing’s Foundation and the boxers?
YOSELINE:
I believe donating to USA Boxing’s athletes is crucial to our success as a country. If that support is through joining the TEAM28 program or just donating to the Foundation in general, they will be part of the team behind the team, fighting the same fight as us, and helping the success of our country and putting us back at the top of the podium and being the best in the world once again..
Be sure to tune in to USA Boxing’s social media to follow Yoseline and the rest of her teammates at the 2026 Strandja Tournament in Bulgaria, Feb. 23 - March 1.