10-year-old Isaiah Rodriguez and 17-year-old Nnajai Wright reflect on boxing national championships

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — While summer vacation typically sees kids across the country at camps or spending all day inside playing video games, Richmond’s own Isaiah Rodriguez, at just 10 years old spends his day at the boxing gym, working towards another title. Rodriguez recently secured the gold medal at the 2024 Junior Olympics, the second national championship of his young career.

“He couldn’t keep up with me. I was too fast for him. He was a great fighter; it could have gone either way. He just wasn’t on my level,” declared Isaiah Rodriguez, reflecting on his victory.

For Isaiah and his coach, Ian Patterson, this win was just a step in the right direction toward even greater accomplishments in the future.

“He’s a rare person. As he gets older, he’s going to become even more rare, not only inside the ring but outside the ring as well,” remarked Coach Ian Patterson about Isaiah’s potential..

Meanwhile, another rising star from Richmond, Nnajai Wright, has also made headlines at the Junior Olympics. Currently a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, Wright claimed his third national title of his career, claiming the Youth Male Heavyweight division at the Junior Olympics in Wichita, Kansas.

“It was a blessing, it was a beautiful feeling. I’m just so blessed to do what I love to do, which is boxing. You know, come in the gym, work hard every day. I’m blessed,” expressed Nnajai Wright, reflecting on his victory.

Boxing runs deep in the Wright family, with his grandfather serving as his coach and his uncles as professional boxers. This family support and guidance have been instrumental in Nnajai’s journey towards success in the sport.

“He just inspires me, he teaches me so much. He’s got a lot of wisdom, he shows me a lot. He’s going to help me be a world champion too. I’ve got a weapon in my corner,” Nnajai said gratefully of his uncle and coach.

Isiah Rodriguez and Nnajai Wright’s careers are just getting started their next big fights will be here in Richmond when USA Boxing brings the national championships to the River City.

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