When justice studies major Max Alexander isn't hitting the books or sitting in the classroom, he's pounding the heavy bag or bobbing and weaving in the ring. The junior is concentrating in justice systems to prepare for a career as a state trooper, but before he climbs into a squad car he wants to see if he's got what it takes to climb through the ropes as a professional boxer.

At 178 pounds, Alexander is a light heavyweight right-handed fighter who can switch to southpaw. In 2002 he earned three titles: New Jersey Golden Gloves, Ringside Nationals champion and Platinum Gloves of Washington, D.C. With an open class amateur record of 19-2, Alexander is ranked number one in the northeast region.

What makes his record even more impressive is that Alexander began his training only a year ago--by accident. "I went to play basketball at a recreation center in Elizabeth," he said. "One of my friends invited me upstairs to watch his uncle train some boxers and I loved it, so I decided to try it."

If Alexander, who is trained by Abdul-Hakim Wheed at the Eastwick Gym in Elizabeth, defends his Golden Gloves title in a four-round bout on April 18, he'll head to Las Vegas for the nationals. That would be his first step toward getting a shot at the 2004 Olympic boxing team.

But before Alexander goes pro he needs to fulfill a commitment he made to himself: to graduate. "I'm learning new things every day, and I want to leave my options open," he said. "I want to be successful in life, but more than that, I want to take care of my mom and make sure she has a good life."

As for the demands of being a full-time student, coupled with his rigorous training schedule and a job working at the fitness center in Panzer Gym, Alexander's attitude is, "That's life," proving once more that this boxer is no lightweight.