By Marc Berman
Boxing will return to where it should be, in Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City, with a big card on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 as part of the Boardwalk Boxing Star Series.
Making his pro debut is a fighter from Atlantic City who trained in Atlantic City at the AC PAL (Police Athletic League). He has an amateur record of 37 and 5 and his name is Justin “Time” Figueroa.
Marc Berman: You’re making your pro debut not in a small room or in a small venue. You’re going to be at Boardwalk Hall in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in one of the world’s most famous boxing halls, in one of the world’s most famous boxing cities.
Justin “Time” Figueroa, you’re 37 and 5 as an amateur, you’re born in one of the world’s boxing capitals, Atlantic City. You’re from Atlantic City. You live in Atlantic City and you train in Atlantic City. Where do you train?
Justin Figueroa: I train at the Atlantic City PAL every day, and I’m just excited to be performing and showcasing my talent on this card coming up.
Marc Berman: Where did you go to high school?
Justin Figueroa: I went to high school at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, about 10 minutes away from Atlantic City; a Catholic school.
Marc Berman: And as an amateur you got some awards while you were in high school, didn’t you?
Justin Figueroa: Yeah, I played football for the Holy Spirit Spartans, and I also wrestled and I played a couple of other sports. But football and wrestling were my main hobbies over there.
Marc Berman: He’s a good looking kid, and he’s ripped. Look at him. I could tell you’re not on my diet. Okay, how many cheesesteaks do you eat a day? I eat 50.
Justin Figueroa: If I do have one, then I’m in the gym at least three times a day burning it off, so I can maybe have one, but I usually keep the diet very clean. I’ll wait until after the fight to hit the White House to get a sub or something like that. Maybe me and you could get a cheesesteak.
Marc Berman: We could do that. So what is your diet?
Justin Figueroa: My diet is just hard work and dedication. Seriously, I wake up in the morning. If I’m feeling hungry then maybe I have an apple or orange, some fruit to fuel me up before I go train.
I usually do strength and conditioning in the morning, or I go and meet up with my mentologist, my padman, and work on my craft with him.
Then after that, I come home and have breakfast, probably eggs, fruit, maybe Greek yogurt, granola or a protein smoothie, something like that. Then I’ll go train again around three, four, or five o’clock. Then I have a small meal. Chicken. I mainly eat a lot of chicken and vegetables.
My lady likes to make things like cauliflower, rice and stuff. She mixes it up for me. She cooks for me every night and keeps it interesting for me. So I definitely keep it clean so I’m on weight and I’m ready to go.
Marc Berman: You’re also a member of our awesome Atlantic City Beach Patrol. What beach are you on?
Justin Figueroa: Currently I’m on Kentucky Avenue, one of the busiest beaches in Atlantic City.
I’ve been on the Atlantic City Beach Patrol for six years and I enjoy myself every summer. It’s definitely been life-changing. I enjoy myself every summer and saving lives is what I do out there.
Marc Berman: Who are your trainers?
Justin Figueroa: I have Coach Arnold Robbins as my head trainer. I have Coach Johnny Gibbs as my second trainer and my assistant. And then I have a strength conditioning coach. He goes by DLH. His name is Darrin Hudgins.
Marc Berman: We’re talking to Justin “Time” Figueroa. And I have to ask, who do you admire in the boxing world? And as I asked (Thomas Cornflake LaManna), who would you like to face in the ring?
Justin Figueroa: Well first I want to give a big shoutout to Cornflake for bringing this card to Atlantic City. This card is going to be amazing. I went to the last show and I’m telling you, it was electrifying. I was like, I got to get on this card. And I’m bringing out a big crowd. It’s going to be crazy. Like I said, I’m very excited to showcase my talent.
Someone who inspires me in the boxing world? My two favorite boxers are Vasiliy Lomachenko. I like his style. I like his flashy angles that he uses. I admire that style. I use that in my style.
And I also like a Jersey guy named Shakur Stevenson. I also like his style, too.
Marc Berman: Where can we find you on social media?
Justin Figueroa: On social media I am on Instagram, mainly promoting my boxing training and any upcoming events. I’m on Instagram as @justintimefigueroa.
Marc Berman is a Former Talk Radio Host, Travel Photogrpaher and Director Of Marketing for Berman Travel. Prior to that, Marc owned Marc Berman Entertainment, a very successful DJ company in Philadelphia from 1978 thru 2004. Marc is a strong advocate for Atlantic City and that’s where he and wife Susan live year round.
