Hakeem Eli’juwon Learns Valuable Lesson From Defeat vs Alejandro Alvarado

Elijah Pigg, also known as Hakeem Eli’juwon, competed in his first national boxing tournament as the 2023 USA Boxing Junior Olympics & Summer Festival was held in Lubbock, TX. After his first opponent failed to make weight, Eli’juwon didn’t see the ring until his second bout against Alejandro Alvarado— the tourney’s #2 seed from La Puente, CA.

The two fighters traded blows before the fight was called in the third round after Alvarado connected on a nice left to the head. 

Despite losing, Hakeem Eli’juwon is excited for his future.  “I learned that I can compete with the top fighters in the nation and be successful,” the Tulsa native told us, “there are no shortcuts to success. I need to be locked in and focused in preparation,” he added. 

Even the greatest fighters lost battles on their way to stardom, but the best use those L’s to learn & work on their weaknesses. Hakeem further reflected on the fight, admitting that his “conditioning and defense need to improve” and that he needs to “stop telegraphing shots.“

As of now, the boxer has no confirmed bouts but will possibly be back in the ring on July 8th. His next tournament takes place in September in Colorado.