“Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you cant do things in your own creative way!”
That’s advice from Jordan White, a 13-year-old nationally ranked junior amateur boxer from Waldorf, Md. White has had an independent spirit since birth and it led a string of successes in his budding boxing career.
In five years, White has fought all over the country, accumulating an amazing 60-7 wins-losses record while claiming several championship awards along the way. He’s currently the No. 1-ranked junior amateur in the nation at 90 pounds.
But Jordan didn’t become this good of a boxer by following normal standards of life. According to his father, John, Jordan takes on a daily regiment unlike many boys and girls his age. The future North Point High School student raises his own chickens in the backyard of his home, fishes and hunts on a regular basis, and even chops firewood everyday throughout the winter. He’s also already a decent cook and plans on studying culinary arts at North Point.
“These aren’t exactly the most conventional habits for a kid to have, but its real life survival skills that he possesses,” John White said. “Jordan enjoys being his own individual. He’s independent-minded and isn’t afraid to do things outside of the box.”
It was this same attitude that led Jordan to training outside of the typical boxing gym most amateurs attract to.
“We were wasting time and money just trying to locate and travel to a good boxing gym, so we decided to train right here out of our home garage,” said John, who serves as Jordan’s primary trainer. “He was up for the challenge, and so was I. I always tell him, ‘All it takes to do anything is determination and consistency.”
Jordan has been determined to become a great boxer since he first gained interest in the sport at age 8. His cousin, Clarence Vinson, won a bronze medal during the 2000 Olympics at Sydney. Since then, no one can convince Jordan that he won’t see similar success.
“Once I saw how far Clarence went with the sport, I told myself I need to get me some of that action,” said Jordan, who fights conventional (leads with left hand), an unusual style for a left- handed boxer. Jordan hopes to eventually compete in the 2016 Olympics, which take place in Brazil. In the meantime, he’ll see his next action in the Junior Olympics scheduled on April 23 at Sugar Ray’s Gym in Largo, Md.
“Like my dad says, we’re training for the long-term goal,” Jordan said. “As long as we stay focused and determined, we won’t be stopped.”
