FORT WORTH, Texas — When Alexis Mones of Fort Worth decided to walk into a boxing gym to get back in shape she never imagined where it would take her.
“I started out just to kinda, just to get in shape and never really thought about competing,” said Mones.
Yet the more she continued to box for her health and physique, the more it became evident that she had a talent and style to strive for more.
“My style was a little, was a little slower pace and had a little bit of heavier punches, so I was always told I had a pro style,” she said.
That led her to competitions and eventually her first national title in 2019. Just a year after women were allowed to compete in the Golden Gloves Boxing competitions of the United States for the first time.
“I beat out all the other franchises, the other states and that’s still the biggest title so far that I’ve won,” said Mones.
Mones hopes to become the first boxer to bring that title back to her hometown of Fort Worth after three decades.
“I’m 30 years old now and it hadn’t been in the city of Fort Worth for 31 years so it's a big deal,” said the Fort Worth athlete.
Mones is now going for her second national Golden Gloves title this August. Being a mom, wife and boxer preparing for a major competition takes a lot of daily dedication.
“On top of the two hours you spend in the gym probably, at least six days a week, you are still getting up and running early in the morning for me before work,” she said.
For her it’s about finding a balance and setting an example for other women, and especially her daughters.
“It’s about them being smart, being strong and independent so it’s really nice to be able to show them that not only daddy can be a strong fighter, but mommy can too,” she told Spectrum News 1 Texas during a training session for her upcoming fight.
She proves that motherhood does not mean you have to cancel your other dreams. Next on her list is a professional debut.
“So as soon as we come back from winning that second national title we’re gonna be looking to go pro,” shared Mones.
Her energy and coachability has also set the difference for her trainers who are mainly used to coaching male boxers.
“She listens, she actually listens and does exactly to the T most times what I’m asking,” said Kendrick Releford, former professional boxer and one of Mones’ trainers at Dream Performance Gym in Fort Worth.
That is a quality that he feels will take her far in the boxing world.
“The world, international, international Alexis,” added Releford.
That support from her coaches, her city and family keep her motivated. It gives her the confidence to go for it and conquer that next level.
“I wanna keep making people proud of me and, you know, have them keep following me and being excited with me and for me. So it’s definitely a privilege and an honor to have so much support from the city of Fort Worth,” said Mones.
Her city wants her to keep putting Fort Worth on the map, just as much as she does.