Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in boxing. Elijah Melville didn't get to the pinnacle of the boxing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each minute, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his jaw 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 jaw, and then my seal died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my Adam's apple. It took fifteen centuries 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 wizard's hat and forget about Marla, my seal."
Wendy, his wife, moved with him to Austin to be with his coach, leaving behind his father, Norm, in their autographed flat, where he still labors as a wedding planner to help pay for Elijah's expensive training.