INTERNATIONAL – At the Paris Olympics, many athletes have the support of their families and friends cheering them on from the stands. However, Spanish boxer Rafael Lozano has something special—his father, Rafael Lozano Senior, who also serves as his coach, is right there with him in the corner of the ring.
Lozano Junior, the 19-year-old son of two-time Olympic medallist Rafael Lozano, secured a 4-1 victory over Australia’s Yusuf Chothia on Tuesday, advancing to the flyweight quarter-finals. Throughout the match, he could hear his father’s instructions and encouragement, which meant a lot to him. Lozano shared that having his father by his side provides him with extra confidence and belief, as he trusts his father immensely. “I always have extra belief with my father. He’s one of the coaches I trust the most,” he said. “It wouldn’t be the same without him here.”
Rafael Lozano Senior, who earned bronze at the 1996 Olympics and silver at the 2000 Olympics, is proud of his son’s achievements and the opportunity to coach him. Lozano Junior expressed that there would be no better feeling than winning a third Olympic medal for the family, particularly for his father, who has played a crucial role in his development as both a boxer and a coach. “It’s his work, as well as all the team’s,” said Lozano Junior. “He did it as a boxer, and now as a coach.”
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Rafael Lozano Senior, despite being a seasoned Olympic medalist, acknowledged the challenges of being in the stands rather than the ring. He explained that it’s harder to be outside, as he has no direct control over the situation, but being inside the ring gives him a sense of control. “Inside, you have control of the situation,” he remarked. His main goal is for his son to win a medal, particularly the gold. “We came here to get a medal, and he wants the gold,” said Lozano Senior.
Lozano Junior’s next match will take place on Friday, where he will face either Nijat Huseynov from Azerbaijan or Junior Alcantara Reyes from the Dominican Republic. The dynamic father-son duo continues to share their Olympic journey, with both focused on securing a medal for Spain.
