Coached by his dad, Mike, and with 17 national championships under his belt, Elijah Lugo is on his way to becoming as successful as his older brother, Nathan.
McElwain: Who is your boxing influence and why?
Elijah: I’d say, my brother. He’s always pushed me forward and believed in me and every day. I push to be as powerful as him.
McElwain: Who was your favorite opponent, and why?
Elijah: I don’t necessarily have a favorite opponent. Anyone who can bring a good fight. I enjoy fighting.
McElwain: When I interviewed your brother, he told me about a not-so-pleasant experience that you guys had with Jake Paul in your gym. Due to that incident, would you like to face him in the ring?
Elijah: Without a doubt! Jake is a man with no principles. He is just a child, but even a child has more respect than him! If I was given the chance, I would. The world can watch him get beat by a teenager!
McElwain: Describe boxing in one word.
Elijah: “Violence.”
McElwain: What has your family taught you during your boxing career?
Elijah: My family has taught me that you only need to love and hate to be great.
McElwain: Who is your dream opponent?
Elijah: My dream opponent is someone who has the same speed, power, and skill as me, battles just as intensely, and gives everything that they got.
McElwain: What would your advice to anyone aspiring to be in the sports world be?
Elijah: I would say never give up. Never give in to despair. A person only loses when they give up.
McElwain: In 30 years, where do you think the Lugo clan will be in the world of boxing?
Elijah: We will be one of the most powerful boxing families in the world.
McElwain: What are your goals for your boxing career?
Elijah: I want to be the most feared warrior of all time! I’m going to be so powerful, and people will feel my presence. I’m gonna be the symbol of pain!
