WATCH: Lightweight prospect Gabriel Gerena balances boxing with school life

CHERRY HILL, NJ – When Gabriel Gerena steps into the ring again on June 8, it will be his first fight in seven months. The layoff — the longest of his career since turning pro in 2022 — is not due to injury or management issues. The 22-year-old was busy with his last semester of college, walking across the stage at Rutgers Business School in New Brunswick, NJ on May 9 with his degree in finance.

It was a very satisfying experience to graduate from his high school in June of 2020, when he had to pick up his diploma through a drive-thru due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lightweight/junior welterweight from Piscataway, NJ says he was inspired to study finance after seeing dozens of other boxers and family members go broke after their paychecks dropped, and hopes to start a career as a financial analyst or retirement planner.

“Since I was a child, I was able to balance school and boxing, so it makes you behave properly, to be able to manage time. I just learned to understand my mind, my body. That's why I wanted to finish the last semester strong, but now I'm going back to boxing feeling much better,” said Gerena (5-0, 4 knockouts).

With his graduation over, Gerena is shifting his focus to boxing, with his next fight scheduled for six rounds against Lyle McFarlane (2-5, 1 KO) at Bally's Atlantic City. Gerena says he doesn't know much about the 27-year-old from Tulsa, Okla., but says his style is one McFarlane will get used to.

“I'm busy. At first I will read you but in the end I will be on top of you. If you're not in shape or I'm smarter than you, you get out before the last bell rings,” said Gerena.

Gerena's adaptability comes from a 130-year career as a novice that began at the age of nine. He won multiple New Jersey state titles at the Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves, and competed in all major national tournaments, earning a silver medal at the 2016 Junior National Championships in Kansas City, Mo.

Among the boxers he has faced in his senior career are the prospects of Jalil Hackett, Deric Davis and Travon Marshall, among others.

(WATCH: Thomas LaManna on Juan Carlos Abreu, coming back from Lara loss)

Trained by his father Edgar Gerena and Ahman Elliot, and managed by his father, he says his long career as a novice and his experience fighting in unique situations like a weekend tournament in Puerto Rico have prepared him for the pros.

“I think that's what contributed to me being a champion. “A lot of people don't get that opportunity to fight people from all over the world, fighting for international matches, so I feel ready,” said Gerena, who is of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent.

When asked what is important for boxers who are trying to juggle school life, he says planning and communication are important.

“Definitely talk to someone. It can be difficult, boxing is a lonely sport, you have to deal with a lot of things. “A lot of times, you just enter a field that you don't know, especially from beginners to professionals, it's a completely different football game,” said Gerena.

“Writing things down as your plan, what you want to do, prepares you for everyday life. Like, OK, I'm going to wake up at this time, exercise at this time, work at this time, go to school at this time. Either way, having a plan makes all the difference.”

Remaining card:

Thomas LaManna vs. Juan Carlos Abreu

Chiara Dituri vs. Perla Lomeli

Saleh Ali vs. Michael Ruiz

Jean Pierre Valencia vs. Abdelaziz Fatane

Carlos Rosario vs. Terrell Bostic

Delvin McKinley vs. Richard Hernandez

Justin Palmieri vs. TBA

Damian Tinnerello vs. TBA

Ryan Songalia has written for ESPN, the New York Daily News, Rappler and The Guardian, and is part of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism Class of 2020. He can be reached at [email protected].