We all have aspirations in life. The question is what are we willing to do, and maybe more importantly, what are we willing to sacrifice to make it happen?

Less than one month into my employment at the Wentworth Real Estate Group, I was asked to meet with one of the athletes we sponsor. The purpose of the meeting was to reconnect and check on his progress, as well as discuss other joint projects. The athlete was Joey Spencer, a twenty-two-year-old professional fighter from Linden, Michigan. Being a former amateur boxer myself, I jumped at the chance to speak with this young man I’d heard so many good things about.

As soon as I met Joey, I recognized he was different from most young athletes. I sensed confidence rather than arrogance, and humility, not entitlement. He greeted me with a strong handshake and looked me directly in the eye. I could tell he was mature beyond his years. Even his attire spoke volumes. I was expecting designer clothes or maybe expensive jewelry. Instead, he had on plain blue jeans, a t-shirt, and an impressive pair of cowboy boots. Joey was accompanied at this meeting by his father, who also serves as his head trainer.

Right away, he laid his goals out plainly. Joey told me he’d been fighting since he was five years old and from the beginning he knew becoming a champion was his ultimate goal. Because of his previous experience in the sport, his father recognized early that his son possessed the talent and skills to become an elite fighter.

In 2018, Joey Spencer became the first athlete sponsored by Wentworth Real Estate Group. It was Joey’s humility and spirituality that initially drew John Wentworth his way. John would go on to find that many of the company’s core values mirrored those Joey demonstrated, such as coachability, relentlessness, commitment, and authenticity. 

Joey and I discussed his early development and when he realized boxing was his chosen path. He spoke about the importance of his family and his father’s guidance in his career, and of his desire to become a truly benevolent person and give back to the community. Most memorably, he spoke passionately about his faith and how it sustains him, particularly since he has to spend large chunks of time away from family and friends. He added that he hadn’t been able to partake in normal teenage things. While many of his peers were sleeping in on the weekends, Joey was up at 5:00am to do road work. But he understands the sacrifices required for his dream. 

Sporting a perfect record of 16-0, Joey Spencer will be back in the ring on March 25th. He will be facing fellow unbeaten prospect Jesus Ramos at the MGM Grand Garden.

Everyone at the Wentworth Group would like to wish Joey Spencer the best of luck, and we will be praying for the health and safety of both participants.