Jose Morales knows firsthand the struggles of growing up undocumented and in poverty, but he refused to let those challenges define him. Instead, he found his passion in boxing and dedicated his time to making a better life for himself and those around him.

Jose Morales is a Mexican-American immigrant who has overcome numerous challenges to achieve his dreams. Born in Mexico, Jose was brought to the United States as an infant and raised by a single mother in poverty. As a teenager, he realized that he was not a U.S. citizen and faced numerous challenges as an undocumented immigrant. Despite these setbacks, Jose refused to give up on his goals and worked hard to make a positive impact in his community.

At just 25 years old, Jose purchased a failing boxing gym in the suburbs, where such businesses often struggle to succeed. But over the past six years, he has grown the gym exponentially, earning hundreds of five-star reviews and establishing a welcoming, inclusive environment for a diverse crowd. In addition, he has created lucrative career opportunities for others who share his passion for boxing.

Despite dropping out of high school, Jose refused to let a lack of formal education hold him back. Instead, he worked hard and pursued his dreams, determined to be the first undocumented person to reach success and to inspire others to do the same. Today, Jose is known not only for his success in the boxing world but also for his story of struggle and determination. He shares his story on stage and through his podcast, inspiring others to pursue their dreams no matter what challenges they may face.

“I wanted to be the first undocumented person to reach success,” says Jose. “You never hear of an undocumented immigrant making a huge impact in the community and in a country that doesn’t even claim them. I wanted to change the trajectory of my life and give people faith that they can come here and change their lives and better this country at the same time.”

With the success he has garnered while making his own mark in the world, Jose Morales is a living testament to the power of hard work and determination, encouraging others to follow their dreams and make a positive impact on their communities. “I want people to know that it doesn’t matter what you are dealing with or where you are,” he says. “What matters is what’s in your head and what actions you do to back up what’s in your head.”