Going pro: Stevenson gives up football to chase dream

Manteca High senior Elijah Stevenson is pictured with belts that he’s won as an amateur boxer. He will make his professional debut on June 27, 2026.

By ANTHONY BENKOWSKI
The Tower

Elijah Stevenson is going pro.  

After giving up football to pursue an amateur boxing career, the Manteca High senior spoke about his sacrifices and his routine before a big fight.

Stevenson said that it was not hard to stop playing football at first because he didn’t find much fun in the sport, but later in his high school life, he appreciated it more and said it was hard to stop playing after his junior year.

He missed playing with his best friends. 

“I’m fighting for money now,” Stevenson said. “Now I can do it professionally. I’m super excited.”

Stevenson explained that before his bouts, he prepares by running at 5 a.m. to get his body warm and his mind focused. After that, he goes on the Stairmaster and then sits in the sauna to cut weight.

Once he finishes that part of his routine, he heads to the boxing gym where he takes his training to another level.  

There is no messing around inside Shadow Boxing Club in Modesto. He hits the water bag, works on the punching bag, and spars to stay conditioned and sharp before the fight. 

“There’s no talking, no playing around,” Stevenson said. “It’s just straight work.” 

Stevenson also shared that when it is finally time to step into the ring, he is not nervous. He focuses on what he needs to do and trusts the work he puts in. He says that his friends and his own self-motivation have helped him get to where he is now. 

When he needs to cut weight or eat clean, his friends make sure he does not go off track. They remind him of his goals and help him stay disciplined. Stevenson admits that some days he wakes up and just wants to eat whatever he wants, but his friends and self-motivation keep him locked in.

Staying focused is the only way to reach the level he wants to be at, and he is determined to keep pushing forward in his new boxing career. 

“When it’s time to cut weight, I be out with Austin (Barnes), Tone (Antonio Fraley), and Zay (Isaiah Aue) and we be at (McDonald) and everybody is eating but I can’t have nothing,” Stevenson said. “They make sure I stay on weight.”