Name: Heaven Garcia

Birthday: 06/08/00

Currently reside: El Monte, Calif.

Hometown: South Central Los Angeles, Calif.

Weight class: 112 lbs.

Height: 5’4”

Coach’s name: Carlos Rodriguez

Club name: Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing Gym

When did you start boxing and why: I started boxing at the age of 8. I got a letter from school and gave it to my mom; she asked me if I wanted to try it

(boxing). I really didn’t know what boxing was, but I said yes and every since the first day, I just fell in love with the sport. 

Amateur Record: 58-7

Career highlights to this point:  3x USA Junior/Youth member, 2015 Junior Women World’s Champion, 2x Junior Olympics Champion, 2016 & 2017 Youth National Champion, 2017 World Championship team member, 2018 Youth World Championships Qualifier, 2018 Youth Continental Championships Gold Medalist, 2018 Youth World Champion

If you weren’t boxing, what would you be doing? I would be doing other sports like soccer and volleyball.

What do you think is your greatest asset in the ring: Being able to adjust to any fighter in front of me very quickly and fighting multiple ways. 

Who has been your biggest inspiration and why: My biggest inspiration has been Claressa Shields, due to the fact she has made a huge impact in women’s boxing, as well as accomplished so many things and I would love to do the same. 

What motivates you the most: What motivates me is my family. My parents because I know how hard they worked for me to be where I am today, and I would love to pay them back one day. Also, my little cousins, they really don’t have anyone to look up to, so I want to be the one they can look up to and show them that no matter where you from from and how hard your life may be, you can accomplish anything and achieve your dreams. 

What are five things that most people don’t know about you: 1. I am addicted to chips. 2. I don’t like to go out to parties. 3. I have to take a nap before every fight. 4. Love ice cream. 5. I love to spend time with my little cousins.