Holy Spirit High School welcomed two distinguished alumni back to campus this week as part of its Spartan Way Speaker Series, giving students the opportunity to hear firsthand how discipline, perseverance and character can shape a path to success.
Professional boxers Justin “Mr. Atlantic City” Figueroa ’17 and Josh “The Hammer” Popper ’11 returned to their alma mater to speak with students about their journeys from Spartan student athletes to undefeated professionals.
Figueroa, now 16 0 with 12 knockouts, captured the Junior NABF Super Welterweight Championship in August 2025 and has quickly become one of Atlantic City’s rising boxing stars. Before stepping into the professional ring, the 2017 graduate was a standout running back and cornerback for the Spartans.
“To me, the Spartan Way means discipline, accountability, and representing something bigger than yourself,” Figueroa said. “When I step into the ring, it is not just about me. I represent my family, my city, and Holy Spirit. The habits I built here are the same habits that helped me become a professional boxer.”
Popper, a 2011 graduate, followed a similar path of athletic achievement at Holy Spirit as a dual sport athlete in football and basketball. He later played defensive line at Rowan University before launching his professional boxing career. Now undefeated at 5 0 with three knockouts, Popper also mentors young fighters through his Bredwinners Boxing program.
During the assembly, Popper encouraged students to stay disciplined and focused on their goals.
“The lessons you learn here stay with you long after graduation,” Popper told students. “Holy Spirit teaches you how to push yourself, stay disciplined, and represent something bigger than yourself. That mindset carries over into everything you do.”
Holy Spirit Head of School Michael McGhee said welcoming alumni back to campus is an important part of reinforcing the school’s mission.
“At Holy Spirit we strive to develop young men and women through faith formation, academic excellence, and competitive athletics,” McGhee said. “Seeing alumni like Justin and Josh return as professional athletes and role models is a powerful example of our mission in action. Their journey shows our students what is possible when discipline, perseverance, and character guide your path.”
Just days after their visit to campus, both fighters will compete Saturday, March 7 at the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City in a professional boxing event hosted by Boxing Insider Promotions.
For the students gathered in the gymnasium, the message from both alumni was clear. Success is built through daily discipline, strong character, and the willingness to work toward something greater than oneself.
For Figueroa and Popper, that journey began in the same hallways and classrooms where the next generation of Spartans now walk.
The Boxing Insider Club Boxing Series takes place Saturday, March 7 at the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City. Doors open at 6:00 PM with the first bell at 7:30 PM, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at BoxingInsider.com.
Following the event, an after party celebrating headliner Justin Figueroa will take place at Casa Taco & Tequila Bar inside the Tropicana beginning at 10:30 PM. The event is open to the public.
Photos by Kristian Gonyeah
