(1ST UPDATE) 18-year-old Arnold G. Martinez turned every punch into a step toward graduation, using boxing to fund his studies and help his family get by in Purok Luyang, Barangay Guiljungan, Cauayan town, Negros Occidental.
He reached that milestone on March 30, 2026, when he graduated from Guiljungan National High School–Senior High School under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) – Agriculture Fishery Arts track, proving that grit and determination can overcome hardship.
He grew up watching his father, Elbert Martinez, travel from place to place selling bolos and tools to keep food on the table. His father endured long days under the sun and even traveled to Cebu to earn enough for the family.
“Sa anum ka tuig, si Tatay galibod binangon… asta pa na sa Cebu agud nga may ihatag siya kay Mama para may gawion sa panimalay,” Martinez said. (For six years, my father kept going from place to place selling goods… he even went as far as Cebu so that he could bring something home to my mother and we would have something to use for our daily needs.)
Motivated by his father’s sacrifices, Martinez looked for ways to support himself and continue his education. He entered boxing and joined local fiesta matches, where he earned small cash prizes.
He also drew inspiration from local boxing figure Jay-r Raquinel, whose journey fueled his desire to step into the ring and pursue the sport seriously.
Martinez used his winnings to pay for school supplies, cover daily needs, and give some to his mother.
“Kanami sang feelings nga kada hampang nakon… kay may ihatag naman ko nga kwarta kay Mama kag mabakal ko ang akon nga mga kinahanglanon,” he said. (It feels really good every time I fight… because I can give money to my mother and buy the things I personally need.)
Each fight helped him stay in school.
When matches became scarce, Martinez joined fishing trips to earn extra income. He balanced time between the sea and the ring, doing whatever it took to continue his studies.
He trained harder and pushed himself further, eventually winning a bronze medal in boxing at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. He also strengthened his standing in the sport when he secured another victory at the Elorde UKC Amateur Boxing event in Parañaque City on March 8, 2026.
Despite his achievements in boxing, Martinez kept his focus on finishing school.
He credited his progress to the guidance of his trainer, Lito Baron, and coach Ruther Bolneo, as well as the support of his teachers, who encouraged him to pursue both academics and athletics.
Josepino Malvas, a teacher of Martinez, told Brigada News FM on Tuesday, April 7, that he witnessed the latter’s struggles firsthand and continually encouraged him to keep going.
“As his teacher, I’ve witnessed Arnold’s struggles to make ends meet, so I do my best to motivate and support him in staying focused on his studies—especially since there are times he has to be absent due to his boxing tournaments.”
Now a graduate, Martinez prepares to chase his dream of becoming a professional boxer.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.