On November 15, Guillermo “La Joya” Andino will enter the ring in Dubai at the Kings Clash, a global boxing event hosted by Kings Corner that will feature some of the best talent from around the world.

The stakes are high for the Argentine fighter, whose career has been built on grit, sacrifice, and an unbreakable connection to his family and heritage. Known for his skill, determination, and heart, Andino is aiming to make this match his defining moment on the international stage.

‘A constant in my family’

Born and raised in Posadas, the capital of Misiones province in Argentina, Andino, 33, grew up in a family that lived and breathed boxing. His father, also a boxer, introduced him to the sport when he was a teenager. Andino recalls the early years fondly, describing how boxing was more than just a sport in his family; it was a way of life.

“My dad was a boxer, and my brother’s a boxer too. Boxing has been a constant in my family, and it’s become a huge part of who I am”

His father even gave him his nickname, “La Joya,” which means “The Jewel.” The name holds a deep sentimental value: “One day, my dad told me, ‘To me, you’re worth gold; you’re a jewel in boxing.’ And it stuck.”

Starting at 13, Andino trained with a passion, eventually winning his first provincial tournament at age 15. That victory cemented his dedication to boxing, even as he faced challenges juggling his boxing career with a day job as a police officer.

“In Argentina, most boxers work full-time jobs to support themselves. Boxing is something we do because we love it, but it’s not the only thing we do.”

Balancing training with a job and family responsibilities is challenging, yet Andino feels it only fuels his commitment to the sport.

‘Had to take matches I shouldn’t have’

Despite Argentina’s love for soccer, Andino has found his place in boxing, achieving recognition and respect in the national boxing community. Over the years, he’s competed for several regional and national titles, working his way up to ninth in Argentina’s national boxing rankings. He’s fought internationally as well, with bouts in Australia, Germany, and Belgium. Andino’s journey has not been without hardship. Financial constraints have sometimes forced him to take fights in higher weight classes to cover expenses, which impacted his standings.

“At one point, I had to take matches I shouldn’t have—heavier fights for the money. But now, things are more stable, and I’m more focused than ever.”

He is determined to seize every opportunity to rise in the ranks and make a name for himself internationally. Andino has been on a winning streak recently and hopes his performance at Kings Clash will elevate him to the next level, paving the way for more significant bouts in the future.

Andino’s preparation for the Kings Clash has been rigorous, involving double training sessions daily with his father, who is also his coach. However, for this match, Andino will be traveling alone to Dubai, where he’ll be working with a new team. While his father and support team will remain in Argentina, he feels confident that his focused training and mental preparation have him ready to face his Egyptian opponent.

His opponent, who Andino describes as “strong and skilled,” has also been preparing intensely for this match. But Andino, a seasoned fighter who has taken on tough opponents throughout his career, is confident in his ability to deliver.

“I’m training harder than ever, both physically and mentally. This fight is a chance to prove myself on a global stage, and I’m ready.”

‘It’s all about representing Argentina’

For Andino, boxing is about more than personal success; it’s about representing Argentina with pride.

“It’s not like soccer where you’re part of a team,” he explains.

“In boxing, when you step into the ring, you’re on your own, and every punch, every step, it’s all about representing Argentina.”

This sense of pride and responsibility is heightened by the fact that he will be representing his country as an individual on a world stage, an honor he holds dear.

Being away from his wife and young child during training and for international fights isn’t easy, yet their support motivates him.

“My family doesn’t show it, but I know they worry, especially when I’m fighting so far from home,” Andino says.

Their encouragement pushes him to excel, aiming to make them proud and bring recognition to Argentina.

Andino is already thinking beyond the Kings Clash, setting his sights on titles that will further showcase his skill. He dreams of competing for international titles and hopes that a strong performance on November 15 will bring him closer to that goal.

“The dream is to compete for bigger titles, to show what Argentine boxers can do on the world stage”

In 2024, he hopes to expand his international footprint, ideally securing fights in Europe and North America. For now, though, his focus is squarely on Dubai.

“This year, I set a goal of three fights, and this one is my third. I’m giving it everything to make it a victory”

As the clock ticks down to fight night, Andino remains hopeful. He frequently shares updates on his training with fans and has received an outpouring of support from both Argentina and the international boxing community.

“Si se puede,” he says—a simple yet powerful mantra meaning “It’s possible.”