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Antonio Nieves Knows how a One-Two Punch in the
Boxing Ring can Help at the Bank 

PNC’s personal banker and pro boxer has learned some lessons in the ring that apply to everyday life.

Antonio Nieves lives a double life – personal banker by day, pro boxer by night.

Nieves began boxing as a child when he attended a boxing program for inner-city youth, but he didn’t take it seriously until he graduated from college. He turned pro in 2011 and is ranked seventh in the world in his weight class

He rises every morning at 5:30 to run four miles. And for the past five years he has worked at PNC during the day, currently as a personal banker counseling people on how to build a better financial future. After work, he trades in his tie for a pair of boxing gloves so he can train for two to three hours before going home to his wife and two kids.

Life in the ring can be challenging. It takes hard work, dedication, help from others and sometimes, tough choices must be made to stay in the fight. So, it’s a lot like life.

boxers in a ring
Nieves spars at the gym with his trainer, Joseph Delguyd. Nieves met his trainer as a child when he attended a boxing program for inner-city youth.

Nieves has learned a few lessons in the boxing ring that can help his clients prepare for a hook to the right that life may throw.

  1. Know your goals: Determine what you really want in life. Whether you want to win a world title or put your kids through college, be honest about what’s most important and keep your eyes on the prize.

    Nieves sees some people spend money on unnecessary items when they could be saving to improve their financial situation. Is it really that important to have the newest gadget, or would saving that money help you achieve a larger goal?

  2. Plan ahead: Now that you’ve outlined your goals, create a plan to reach them. It’s easy to get off track without a plan. For example, if you want to retire early, continuously invest toward that goal. If you want to spend money on something that might buy happiness in the short term, consider whether it will affect your long-term financial goals.

  3. Reach for the stars with a ladder: In boxing and in managing finances, even the most skilled person can’t learn all the moves in one day. It takes time and practice. Taking small steps toward your goal now can help it seem easier to reach your larger goals.

  4. Get help: Many people don’t reach for the stars because they think it will be too difficult. Everything is harder when you try to do it on your own, so determine who can help you reach your goals and ask for their help.

    Nieves is never in the ring alone. He has an entire team of people around him – trainer, family, opponents – who are helping him strive for more.

    Just as in boxing, you may need to depend on others to help you become financially savvy and secure. So go ahead and ask for assistance or advice. There’s no shame in it, and others are likely to applaud your efforts. And remember, it’s human nature to want to help others, so they’re not likely to turn you down. 

Nieves often helps his clients set goals and achieve them. All they need to do is follow the steps above and they can be on the road to long-term financial stability and success.

Though he has a passion for boxing, Nieves has no plans to give up banking. His daytime career enables him to prepare for the future and gives him the tools to help others in his neighborhood.  

I try to educate people about finance because it intersects with everything that they have to deal with in the world. If they understand credit and know how to save and invest, they can achieve the American dream.

-Antonio Nieves

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