Marco Dean building confidence through boxing

Just a few years ago, Marco Dean Davis struggled to like the person staring back at him in the mirror.

After gaining weight and losing confidence, the 19-year-old made a life-changing decision to step into a boxing gym. What began as a weight-loss journey soon evolved into a passion that transformed not only his body, but also his mindset. Today, the son of dancehall stars Beenie Man and D’Angel is preparing for amateur boxing competitions while launching an initiative aimed at helping young Jamaicans discover the same confidence that changed his life.

Davis credits professional boxing trainer Kemahl Russell with helping him reclaim his confidence after traditional exercise and dieting failed to produce the results he wanted.

“I was gaining lots of weight, and I just didn’t feel confident about myself the way I should and I just didn’t like the way I looked. I tried losing the weight through normal exercises and diet but I didn’t see much progress so that was when I decided to do boxing,” he told THE STAR.

What he found inside the ring exceeded every expectation.

“After I started, I realised that boxing is not just about losing weight or a self-defence method but was also a form of discipline and it helps to just keep you grounded. This is my fifth year and I am solid right now. I am at amateur level and I am getting ready to compete,” he said.

Inspired by his own transformation, Davis is now determined to help others experience that same personal growth.

This Monday, he will launch his Youth Summer Boxing Camp on Shortwood Road in Kingston. The collaborative programme is geared towards children between the ages of 10 and 18 and will focus on building confidence, self-esteem, discipline, fitness, self-control, sportsmanship and mental strength.

“The camp is for children ages 10 to 18 years old. We are going to work not only on their physical but also their mindset. The aim is to empower the youths, and I am trying to give back everything that I have learnt. We are the future of this country so we need to be confident and well-rounded so we can be great men and women of Jamaica and believe it or not, boxing can help you to achieve all of that,” Davis said.

For the recent Hillel Academy graduate, giving back is something he has witnessed throughout his life.

“My parents partake in a lot of charity events, and I have always been out there especially with my mother when she does her thing. It is only natural that I see the urge to make my contribution towards the youths and just not only be a role model but be there to teach them what I know. This is only the beginning of what I have in store. Thing is, it doesn’t matter how young we are and what backgrounds we are from. We can make a difference,” he said.

While boxing currently occupies much of his attention, Davis is also preparing to launch his music career, determined to make his own mark while carrying on his family’s musical legacy.

“Genetically, I am talented as both my parents are exceptional recording artistes so I will be going into music while continuing with boxing. I am going to take it to another level. I will definitely be going into the performing arts field. I have a collaboration with my mother coming up soon. I am not sure what my dad’s plan is. Ultimately, I will be going to university, but my parents are allowing me to start my own programme and find myself a bit,” Davis said.