Miguel Berchelt: from rejection to glory

By Apuntesderabona

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” The only thing we can be sure of in this life is that there is nothing safe.

No matter how hard we try and plan our goals, there are things that sometimes are or are not for us. This is the story of Miguel Berchelt.

“Alacrán” Berchelt, World Boxing Council super featherweight world champion, seeks to defend his title for the seventh time. But this was not always the case, there was a time when Miguel had the dream of being a soccer player.

A round dream

It was in 2006, when the current boxer tried his luck with the Pumas affiliated team (Pumas Morelos) in the Third Division of Mexican soccer. Unable to stay with the team, he was disappointed but went in search of a new dream: to be a boxer.

Born in Cancun, he  had to travel 300 kilometers to Merida, Yucatan at just 18 years old, to lay the foundations for his career as a professional boxer. With gloves on, he made his way to compete in tip top professional boxing.

Pumas team Heart

Although he could not establish himself as a professional soccer player, his passion for the ball remained more alive than ever, even in February 2017 he had the opportunity to visit the facilities and meet the staff of the team of his dreams.

“I am very happy. Delighted to be here for this opportunity that God offers me, I fulfilled my dream of being world champion and now I fulfill my dream of meeting the best team in Mexico, the Pumas.

“As a child I dreamed of being a soccer player, I had the opportunity to try myself with Pumas Morelos, unfortunately I did not stay, but I think it was a good decision, as  I would not have been world champion. But now I`ve  fulfilled my dream of meeting the first team, Paco Palencia, Britos, great players that inspire me to follow and see dreams come true, “said the ESPN world champion.

A champion with his feet on the ground 

Miguel Berchelt has made it clear on multiple occasions that God and his family are his main motivation. It’s what keeps him firm, focused and humble.

El Alacrán, who has declared Hugo Sánchez as his main idol, has a record of 36 wins and one loss since he began his professional career in 2010.

“I think I am aware that dreams come true if you fight. If you strive every morning to achieve it, two dreams came true. I am very happy, motivated, I think I will return to the gym with everything, they invited me to the game, to be in CU Stadium, it is a mythical place and my great idol, Hugo Sánchez, played here.”

Berchelt’s story is a clear example that “When one door closes, a window opens,” you just have to have the will and determination to keep fighting and get ahead.

By: Mario Badillo