Street sweeper represents Argentina in international boxing championships

When the fight ended, emotions ran through me. I could barely believe where I stood. Leftover adrenaline pumped through my body. My muscles felt tired, and the sweat ran down my forehead. Suddenly, I could no longer contain my emotions. I broke down in tears, thinking of all the effort it took to get there.

Mariano Junco

2 years ago
October 23, 2022

3 min read

Sports

Miguel Acosta, a street sweeper in Argentina, fights at the IBO Championships in France | Photo published with permission courtesy of Courrier Picard

Interview Subject

Miguel “Zurdo” Acosta discovered boxing while grappling with a weight issue and fighting in the streets. Fifteen years later, he works as a street sweeper in Argentina, but not stopped pursuing his passion. Recently, he fought at the IBO Championships in France and came close to being a world champion. The athlete competes within the framework of the International Boxing Organization and hopes to have more opportunities abroad.

Background Information

The International Boxing Organization (IBO) is a non-profit organization that sanctions professional boxing matches and awards world and regional championships. It is recognized as a legitimate world championship organization by the European Boxing Union and BoxRec.

VILLA GOBERNADOR GÁLVEZ, Santa Fe, Argentina – I work as a municipal employee in my city – cleaning, sweeping, and organizing logistics for craft fairs in the square. When I’m not working for the city, I compete as an international boxer.

It all started at 15 years old. Tired of being overweight for many years, I felt unhappy and needed to be physically active. I played soccer for my father who served as president of the children’s soccer club. While I enjoyed being around family and friends, and wearing the number 10 on my shirt, soccer did not thrill me. I preferred contact sports.

With no way to practice boxing, I began roaming the streets looking for a brawl. I realized I had a problem. When a boxing teacher emerged, I looked to him for guidance. Suddenly, I felt empowered by my body’s movements and channeled all my energy into training.

I put in many days of hard work and practice. Eventually, I received great news. I was selected to fight internationally. I kept the announcement secret, waiting until Father’s Day so I could surprise my dad. We dreamed of this long-awaited news but barely believed it was possible. When I finally told him, my happiness erupted, and his eyes glowed with pride.

Street sweeper represents his country at the boxing championships in Europe

I arrived in France and prepared myself, remaining focused. The next day we had weigh-ins, then the day of the fight. I would leave for home on the fourth day. It felt like time flew by. I only wish I gave myself more time in France. I did not realize the magnitude of the opportunity to compete for the IBO world title.

I visualized my family, especially my father, and my time on the streets looking for something I loved. I thought of all those years being overweight, seeing the challenges in my life as giants looming over me.

Back in the city of Villa Gobernador Gálvez, I return to sweeping services. Up before dawn, the sunrise colors begin to face. I face six to eight hours of hard work, hustling around the square. Some days, I work three shifts, but I always manage to train. I find the time for my job and my passion.

I dream of moving more into fighting and returning to Europe. I long for the emotion of representing my country again. Yet, I remain grateful to all the people who have helped me so far.