An Interview with David ‘Junebug’ Mijares

By GAVIN ALEXANDER | Junior Reporter

On a Monday, I sat down with David “Junebug” Mijares at Iron Boxing Gym in Santa Monica. Mijares graduated from Santa Monica High School. He is 21 years old and a professional boxer under Golden Boy Promotions and managed by Sheer Sports. He is undefeated and I went to his fourth professional fight on Friday, Oct. 7 at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. It was so cool to watch.

When did you start boxing?

I started taking boxing seriously when I was 13 years old. That is when I joined the amateur boxing program, USA Boxing.

How old were you when you had your first fight?

I was 12 years old and it was again Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini Jr.

Why is your nickname Junebug?

My father was messing around with names, and I guess I looked like a Junebug in my mom’s stomach and the name stuck. It also means junior in the South.

Who is your favorite boxer?

My favorite boxer is the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson because he is pound for pound the boxing king.

Who is your role model and why?

My role models would be both my parents because of how hard they work. I hope to be able to pass that down to my kids.

Are you scared before your fights?

No. I know that I am always ready for whatever is coming after me in the right. After doing it so many times, the fear goes away but the nervousness stays.

Did you like boxing when you first
started?

When I first started boxing I just thought it was something to do to get in shape. I started to really like hitting people in the ring in open spots and getting reactions from them. Finally, when I started knocking people down with body shots I thought, “This is for me.”

How did you discover boxing?

I grew up in my dad’s boxing gym. I would spend day and night there. When school ended I would be there; before school started I would be there.

Who are your sponsors?

Right now I’m sponsored by a very high-end jewelry company called Hoorsenbuhs.

What do you like to do during your free time?

I love eating and making food.

What was your favorite subject in school?

When I was in school my favorite subject was English because I was able to write my thoughts down.

To learn more about Junebug, visit davidmijares.com.