Shawn Robinson's motto is get up, never give up.
That’s the meaning behind G-Up Nation, a group of Baltimore boxers, led by Robinson.
"You’re going into the ring alone. You’re born in this world alone. If you want to make it to the top, you gotta fight," Robinson said.
The G-up squad is getting ready for their biggest challenge yet. Shawn’s sons, 15-year-old Ibrahim, 13-year-old Muhammad and 11-year-old Musa are training for next month’s Sugar Bert Nationals, which go down at Disney World.
"Hard competition especially in my weight. All I have to do is let my hands go because they’re going to be coming at me," said Ibrahim, who is 125 pounds.
"I’ve never been to the Nationals before and it’s going to be really tough. I have to train really hard for it," said Muhammed, who is 90 pounds.
The Robinson trio qualified with their performances in fights a couple months ago in Columbus, Georgia, as did Aiyahnah Burke, 15. She’s traveling with the Robinsons to Nationals as well, and trying not to get caught up in the moment.
"I don’t get overexcited. It’s exciting though because it’s my first time going to Nationals," she said.
These young fighters aren’t only going to Florida to bring home a belt. You better believe they’re going down there to put their city of Baltimore back on the boxing map.
"I want to represent my city to the best of my ability because outside of this state they don’t know too much about Baltimore," Aiyahnah said.
"It’s very important to do well because if I lose that’s a complete embarrassment. We love to win for our Baltimore, B-more," Muhammed said.
The Sugar Bert Nationals take place from Nov. 18-21. And the youngest and most confident Robinson has a message for his competition.
"Watch out for me because I’m coming for y’all," Musa said.
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