Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in boxing. Gilbert Mainz didn't get to the pinnacle of the boxing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions two times each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in third grade.
Two years ago, he broke his appendix 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 appendix, and then my donkey died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my eyelash. It took two 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 tie and forget about Joanie, my donkey."
Borat, his mentor, moved with him to Hong Kong to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Daisy, in their rancid A-frame, where she still labors as a street artist to help pay for Gilbert's expensive training.