Having spent several days with the WBC title holder at his fight camp, Magdaleno was amazed by the work ethic and determination of the champ. The acclaimed director described the experience "It was quite an experience. I went in with no expectations, I have always followed boxing, but I have never seen how a boxer prepares for a big fight... Seeing Omar on the verge of tears at one point, the workout is so intense and so hard, and he follows through! It's pretty amazing and impressive to see that type of ethic. I can't wait for the fight. I've seen already what he has done to prepare for it."
What amazed the decorated film director the most was the ability the fighter showed to "hit the switch" and go from dangerous world-class fighter to gentle monster, "Omar is soo dangerous inside the ring, and then he switches the switch, and he's this gentle monster. That's Omar! He's so kind in person."
The gentleness and kindheartedness seem to be the exact opposite of what we see from the dangerous, body-snatching warrior in the ring. He hits the switch and transforms from a warrior to a genuinely loving person with a heart as big as Texas for kids who are often marginalized and forgotten about. The Texan describes his connection with the kids "The reaction and the connection that I get from them all it's beautiful, and its extra motivation."
Motivation is another reoccurring theme in the boxer's life. In addition to his work in the special needs community, the championship boxer volunteers as a motivational speaker, having worked with and inspired the kids in Brownsville since he was 16 years old. In the Summer of 2021, Juarez needed to "practice what he preaches", as he says, after suffering a controversial and disputed loss to All Rivera. Juarez recalls the immediate aftermath of the verdict "I cried like a baby, but it was time to practice what I preach." He decided to record a video telling the kids, "You can never give up on your dreams, and I'm not going to give up on mine. No matter what happens, I'm going to be great, no matter what happens. I'm going to keep pushing." The kid from Brownsville did just that he bit down, put it behind him, and got back to work.
That loss has been used by detractors to try and get under the skin of Juarez. It's been used to try and irritate him. However, it has not sidetracked him at all "No matter what knockdowns, or what losses, you can still make your dreams come true if you're persistent and disciplined and most importantly if you are faithful with yourself and the man upstairs." Juarez said. He's been able to focus through the distractions and get back on track. His laser-like focus is something he credits both his wife and his faith in Jesus Christ for "God always gives me strength, through the dark times." Juarez said. "Through the storm, I'm holding His hand, and we are pushing through. I just got to keep pushing through that storm, and after that storm is the beautiful sunshine." He explained.
That beautiful sunshine is now on the horizon for the 23-year-old. He has put together three consecutive wins since the 2021 loss, including his most recent win back in December against Austin Dulay. Juarez has been patient and, through hard work, discipline, and determination, has gotten himself back into the world title picture. It has also taken a lot of patience to get back into this position. Juarez credits his patience as the most important thing he has learned from the countless hours working with the special needs kids, " I've learned patience, being patient with yourself, and being patient with others," Juarez explained.
With a win on the 13th, all the patience and perseverance may very well pay off. A win would put Juarez in position for a world title fight. A dream come true for the Brownsvillian that would mark the culmination of his relentless hard work, determination, and his blood, sweat, and tears. All the elements that took the humble, polite kid from Brownsville to the top of the boxing world. When Juarez does get to a world title, it is something he said he would give full credit to the kids for, "they have served as motivation and kept me going through all the difficulties and distractions." Juarez said of the kids.