After landing the final blow that gained him the TKO, the outward exuberance shown by the young victor, could be viewed by the audience as a display of hard work and sacrifice. But for this young man, the victory is a testament to his undying devotion to his family; to his cousin, who was senselessly gunned down on Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. The win on this March 5^th took an emotional toll, both physically and mentally.

Joshua Woodard bears a weight that no 16-year old kid should have to suffer. Woodard is not in the sport just for the prize, Oh no, there’s more to the story than the sought out ‘W’. The win, this Saturday, comes on the day; his slain cousin would’ve turned 20. It signifies a defeat of a different kind, one where Joshua can avenge his cousin’s death, in a positive manner, on what should’ve been a day of celebration for his family.

As the newscasts moves on to the latest breaking action, when no large groups line the streets to demand justice, and life in general goes on, one of the families living with the emotional heartbreak of losing a member to violence will never forget. So that brings us to the here and now, where five years after a horrific event, one young man brings into focus, what matters most, love. While climbing the ranks as an elite prospect in the world of boxing, Joshua Woodard knows exactly who he is, where he’s from and where he’s going. The win signifies 1 victory for family, but definitely not the last.

Joshua is tearing through the Washington Golden Gloves Tournament. Woodard’s ferocity in the ring is a testament to his commitment, while also, honoring Isaiah’s memory.

On March 05, 2016, Boxhernews.com sat down with Joshua Woodard after his TKO victory and discussed his motivation for boxing.

Minnie: How are you feeling right now?

Woodard: (Crying. After several minutes, he begins to speak)

My cousin Isaiah Daniel Harris was killed Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. I felt his presence in the ring. March 05 is his birthday and so I said I was going to go out there and win.

Minnie: Your cousin was taken from the world he could have given us something special?

Woodard: He was a football player

Minnie: Have authorities caught the person?

Woodard: Yes

Minnie: If his mom were standing her right now what would say to her?

Woodard: She would be proud I’m going to her house and show her I won.

Minnie: What would you say to her?

Woodard: Man, I do not even know, I’m about to start shaking he would be so proud.

Minnie: What was the last thing you told your cousin before he passed?

Woodard: Every night we will play Call of Duty on line till 3 to 4 in the morning. I told him I would talk to him tomorrow. On the night, he died; he sent me a Facebook message to go to the store. That Sunday night, I was supposed to call him. I found out about it on Monday morning on Facebook.

Minnie: How did it make you feel, why do you fight?

Woodard: I’m trying to find my place; because once I started I cannot stop. There is always a light at the end of that dark tunnel. I have a sense of accomplishment, I told myself I was going to do it and I did it. I stood in the mirror and told myself I was going to do it.

Gone but never…..FORGOTTEN