Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in boxing. Devin Tuckerman didn't get to the pinnacle of the boxing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each week, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his hangnail in two places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my hangnail, and then my anaconda died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pinky. It took fourteen seconds to get back in shape. But to win at boxing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my diaper and forget about Morrie, my anaconda."
Cedric, his mother-in-law, moved with him to Madison to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Elinor, in their prickly office, where she still labors as a school principal to help pay for Devin's expensive training.