Pennsylvania teen boxer has Olympic dreams

READING, Pa. (WTXF) - Faith Mendez, a 14-year-old boxer from Pennsylvania has her sights set on the 2020 Olympics.

"When I am in the ring my passion is all in it," says 14-year-old Faith Mendez.

Faith Mendez is on a mission to chip away at her competition and qualify for the 2020 Olympic games. This is a dream Faith has had from a young age.

Faith's dad Charlie is along for the journey, right by her side for every punch.

"I think he goes harder on me just because I am his daughter. He just wants to make sure that I am on top," says Faith.

They practice two times daily, seven days a week at The Almighty Boxing Club in Reading Pennsylvania.

"She loses it makes me feel like I lose. I make sure no matter what it is we get up. We get up sick we go to the gym. Bad weather doesn't stop them from training," says Carlos, Faith's dad and trainer.

Faith doesn't mind the long hours. All she thinks about is boxing. For three years…Faith begged her dad to train her. Until one day he said yes.

Carlos thought, "Maybe she would get a bloody nose or get hit wrong and say I don't want to fight no more and say she is done and I would be happy."

"He thought the kid was going to beat me up and that is when I ended up beating the kid up and he finally said yes," says Faith.

In a few short years, Faith has collected more championship belts than she can carry. Now she is one of the best 110-pound junior boxers in the country.

"I don't think I am better than everyone else I just think I have a bigger heart than everyone in the sport," says Faith.

"You got to have the love of boxing. If you don't you will not make it far," says Carlos.

However far down the boxing road Faith goes is up to her. Each punch…hit…and day will bring Faith closer to her Olympic dream.