Juiseppe Cusumano's Rebirth: A Journey with FARMERSTRENGTH™ in Costa Rica

It all started with a message in January 2022. I had just moved to Costa Rica when I heard from heavyweight boxer Juiseppe Cusumano.

We had previously worked together for his ill-fated Dubois fight, where a crushing first-round defeat in front of a massive crowd had left him questioning everything. An experience that exposed the shortcomings of his training camp. It was a camp I won’t soon forget, but for all the wrong reasons. Still, even bad experiences hold valuable lessons. We both vowed never to repeat that fiasco.

Having recently launched FARMERSTRENGTH™, a unique training program that combined strength and conditioning with breathwork and nature immersion, I knew I might be able to help.

FARMERSTRENGTH™: A Path to Redemption

FARMERSTRENGTH™ wasn't only about physical training; it was a holistic approach to building a stronger, more centered fighter. My plan was to create a strength and conditioning training camp in Costa Rica, offering access to top boxing gyms while incorporating the beauty and power of nature.

After connecting with local gyms Hermosa Boxing Camp, Boxeo Quepos, and Fight Club CR, I felt confident this dream could become reality.

A Spiritual Awakening and the Road to Costa Rica

 In February, when I visited Juiseppe in Virginia, we spoke about his faith and his desire for redemption. We both agreed he needed a fresh start and a conversation with his promoter Jimmy Burchfield, President, CES Boxing about his future.

 In April, he joined a training camp in Florida with heavyweight Zhilei Zhang. Energized by a newfound sense of purpose and sparked by a spiritual awakening he experienced while there, Juiseppe was ready to commit and soon after he was on his way to Costa Rica for the first official FARMERSTRENGTH™ camp starting April 28, 2022.

A Grueling yet Rewarding Camp: Embracing Team Cusumano 

 The camp was intense, starting each day with sunrise runs, pushing ourselves through the mountains and the stunning beaches. Strength and conditioning sessions were a mix of traditional gym workouts and innovative outdoor training sessions using old school techniques like tires, logs, and ropes.

 In between, we maintained Juiseppe's boxing skills at the different gyms, each becoming an integral part of Team Cusumano. Starting at Fight Club CR, he received work from Coach Ernesto "Tillo" Sandoval. Then moving to Hermosa Boxing Camp, with Coach Pancho Spangenberg and his team, Juiseppe connected with Pancho's high-level coaching and found a sense of camaraderie. With Boxeo Quepos, he not only inspired the young boxers with his presence but also felt a deep sense of connection within the broader boxing community.

 These gyms in Costa Rica were not just training facilities; they were sanctuaries where Juiseppe found support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

The Power of Community and Nature

 One of the most heartwarming moments was Juiseppe's interaction with the young boxers at Boxeo Quepos. The outpouring of love and respect from these kids was a powerful reminder of the positive impact boxing can have on young lives.

 The Costa Rican jungle also played a transformative role. The challenging terrain, the breathtaking views under the starlit sky, and the invigorating ocean and river swims all contributed to Juiseppe's physical and mental rejuvenation.

Road to Redemption: The Fight in Rhode Island

 Following the FARMERSTRENGTH™ camp in Costa Rica, it was announced Juiseppe would make his comeback on June 24th at Ballys Twin River Casino in Rhode Island against Irineu Beato Costa. With the impending fight, Juiseppe was provided an excellent opportunity to temporarily relocate to Danbury, Connecticut, under the guidance of Coach Dave McDonough and Coach Bennie Little at Champs Boxing Gym. Juiseppe's preparation intensified with more rigorous training, including extensive sparring sessions and community outreach to raise his profile. Juiseppe's comeback gained traction.

 As the fight day neared, I joined Juiseppe, Coach Dave, and Coach Bennie in Rhode Island. With a sense of anticipation, we gathered in the locker room, where Juiseppe's request for a round of breath work set the tone for the team's pre-fight prayer. Juiseppe was ready to make his triumphant return to the ring.

A Winning Return

 The culmination of this journey came on fight night. After months of relentless training, Juiseppe stepped back into the ring, a different fighter. He dominated the fight, winning with a first-round KO. It was a comeback story fueled by dedication, faith, and transformation.

 This wasn't just Juiseppe's victory; it was a win for the entire team who believed in him - his coaches, his promoter, the gyms in Costa Rica, and FARMERSTRENGTH™. It was a testament of perseverance, the power of community, nature, and a holistic approach to training.

A New Chapter Begins

 Juiseppe's story is an inspiration to anyone facing adversity. It's a reminder that with the right support, unwavering determination, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, even the toughest setbacks can become steppingstones to a comeback.