Fresh off a win in Canada, Guidewire Senior Financial Analyst and US kickboxer Javier Huerta reflects on the focus and composure driving him toward the upcoming World Championships.
The Win That Didn’t Go as Planned
At a recent tournament in Canada, twenty minutes before my championship fight, I watched my opponent stroll into the warm-up area in jeans, a hoodie, and boots. Not exactly fight-ready. Moments later, event staff confirmed that he hadn’t shown up for weigh-ins or medicals that morning.
In combat sports, that’s an automatic disqualification. What followed was an hour of confusion. Talks of rescheduling, postponing, anything to keep the match alive. Finally, my coach made the call: “Anywhere else in the world, that’s a DQ.” And just like that, I was the champion.
It wasn’t the ending I expected. Part of me knew he wasn’t ready to face me. Still, it proved something important: every bit of preparation and discipline had done its job. I’m ready for the real test in Abu Dhabi.
Lessons in Control
Very few things went according to plan that weekend. One day I fought Mexico and came out on top. The next day, my opponent withdrew from the final.
Between last-minute weight cuts, travel adjustments, and constant schedule changes, I stayed grounded because it was all I could control. That’s what separates great fighters from the rest. The ability to stay composed, no matter what.
Not every fighter handles these kinds of moments the same way. Some let fear or self-doubt take over when the pressure hits. But I’ve learned not to take on other people’s fears or insecurities. Just because they hesitate doesn’t mean I will. My mindset is simple: I don’t care who you’ve fought — you haven’t fought me yet.
Fueling the Fire
The Monday after Canada, I was already back in the gym. No break. I couldn’t stop thinking about the final, and I wasn’t satisfied. I was still in fight mode, still hungry, and I wanted to channel that energy into the fighter I need to be for the World Championships.
Through my past camps, I’ve learned that one focused hour beats a whole day of half-effort. Every rep, every drill, every round has intent behind it. That same focus keeps me steady, whether I’m training or working at Guidewire. My goal is to be as consistent as possible, avoiding burnout and maximizing my results. That’s what I’m carrying into Abu Dhabi.
The Road to WAKO
The WAKO World Championships is the most stacked competition in the world. I’m walking in knowing I’m the best fighter there. Now I just need to prove it.
Training alongside my teammate, Sam Bailey, keeps me grounded. We’re both representing the US, pushing each other every day like no one else could. There’s a different kind of confidence that comes from going to war with someone you call a brother.
The Next Chapter Begins
Canada was a milestone. I’ve proven myself across North America. Now it’s time to take on the rest of the world.
Missed the first rounds of Javier’s journey to the World Kickboxing Championships? Catch up on parts one and two.