We recently connected with Willy Martinez and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Willy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

One of the craziest and most unexpected experiences I’ve faced as a business owner came not from a customer or a product, but from the emotional journey of a young athlete in my boxing gym. Imagine a timid 9-year-old, nervous and jittery, stepping into the ring for his first real competition. The room was packed with parents and boxing fans, all eyes on these two kids about to showcase their hard-earned skills. As his coach, I could see the anxiety in his eyes, so I turned him toward me and reminded him: “You got this. The greatest threat out there is yourself. Dig deep.”
What made this moment so wild wasn’t just the intensity of the match, but the backstory. This child had come to me struggling with deep emotional pain—his parents were divorcing, splitting the family, and he had an older disabled sister who also boxed with us. During training, he would sometimes break down in tears—not from physical pain, but from the emotional weight he carried. He once told me, “All of these thoughts are being knocked out of my head. All of my feelings are coming out as he lands each punch.”
As a business owner, I never expected to be a counselor, a mentor, and a coach all at once. I had to learn how to help him process these emotions, teaching him that in the ring, our biggest enemy is ourselves. Boxing became a way for him to face his fears, imperfections, and self-doubt. There were moments I wasn’t sure he’d ever come back, but he persisted, learned to control his emotions, and eventually became a stronger, more confident version of himself.
The craziest part? Seeing both him and his sister now train side by side, building a bond through boxing that helps them navigate life’s challenges. This experience taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about business—it’s about dealing with the unpredictable, the emotional, and the deeply human moments that come your way. The exhilaration of seeing a child overcome adversity, and the exhaustion of carrying their burdens with them, is something I’ll never forget.

Willy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Martinez, Head Coach and lifelong student of the fight game. My journey into boxing started back in 8th grade when my older cousin introduced me to the local boxing club. I only trained there for a couple months, but something clicked — that early spark turned into a full-blown passion. By the time I got my driver’s license at 16, I was already making regular trips to the Villa Park Boxing Club in Northern Illinois. That was the beginning of a 16-year commitment to the sport.

Since then, I’ve trained with Olympians, Chicago Golden Glove champions, martial artists, and professional fighters across gyms in both the Chicagoland area and Southern Illinois. That exposure gave me a wide lens on different fighting styles, training philosophies, and gym cultures. I’ve spent hundreds of hours learning not just how to fight, but how to think like a fighter — how to strategize, condition, and most importantly, how to listen.

What I offer isn’t just physical training. I provide tailored coaching that meets fighters where they are — whether they’re stepping into the ring for the first time or preparing for serious competition. I help athletes build strength, sharpen technique, and develop the mental toughness that boxing demands. I also work with youth and beginners, bringing a nurturing approach that’s informed by being a father to two girls. I know how important it is to build confidence, discipline, and character early on.

What sets me apart is the depth of my experience and the range of fighters I’ve worked with. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all coaching. Every fighter has a different story, a different rhythm, and a different set of goals. My job is to help them find their voice in the ring — and to make sure they’re heard.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my fighters place in me. Whether it’s a young kid learning how to throw their first jab or a seasoned athlete refining their footwork, I take pride in being part of their journey. I want potential clients and followers to know that when you train with me, you’re not just getting a coach — you’re getting someone who’s walked the path, who’s still learning, and who’s fully invested in your growth.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team of four coaches and over 30 students ranging from age 7 to 54 is no small task — but it’s one I take seriously and personally. As Head Coach, I see my role as part strategist, part motivator, and part mentor. Every day, I’m balancing the technical demands of the sport with the emotional needs of my fighters and coaches. That means listening deeply, adapting quickly, and leading with purpose.

My approach starts with clarity. I make sure every coach knows the game plan — not just for the day’s training, but for the long-term development of each athlete. We’re not just teaching punches; we’re building discipline, confidence, and resilience. That requires constant communication, shared goals, and a culture of respect.

Morale is everything in a boxing gym. When spirits are high, the work ethic follows. I keep the energy up by celebrating progress — whether it’s a kid landing their first clean jab or an adult pushing through a tough conditioning circuit. I also make space for feedback. My coaches know they can come to me with ideas, concerns, or adjustments. That trust flows down to the students, who feel seen and supported.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Boxing is one of the most personal sports out there — you can’t coach it from a distance. It’s hands-on, face-to-face, and heart-to-heart. I keep in touch with my fighters by being in the trenches with them. Every session is a conversation. I watch how they move, how they react, how they carry themselves. I listen to what they say — and what they don’t. That one-on-one interaction is where trust is built.

We push fighters to their limits not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. That’s when you really see who someone is. You see how they perceive themselves, how they respond to adversity, how they treat others in the gym. That insight helps me tailor my coaching to each individual — and that’s where loyalty starts. When a fighter knows you see them, understand them, and believe in them, they stick with you.

Outside the ring, I stay connected through regular check-ins, social media updates, and community events. I make sure our brand — whether it’s the gym, the coaching team, or the fighters themselves — reflects the values we live by: discipline, respect, grit, and growth. I highlight their progress, celebrate their wins, and share their stories. That builds a sense of belonging and pride.

What keeps people coming back isn’t just the training — it’s the culture. It’s knowing they’re part of something bigger than themselves. That’s what I work to cultivate every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pharaohboxing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharaohboxing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PharaohBoxingClub
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PharaohBoxingClub