Dieguez and Terence “Bud” Crawford sparring in training.

Corner Man, Family Man

How Boxing and Habitat Omaha Changed Esau Dieguez’s Life

For nearly 25 years, Esau Dieguez has been a mainstay in Omaha boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford’s corner. The 53-year-old former boxer from Guatemala began working with and training the undefeated multiple world champion when Crawford was just 14 years old.

“It was God’s plan,” he said. “Something was going to happen in my life. That’s why I came here. It changed my life. I found the team I’m working with now with Terence Crawford.”

When Dieguez needed someone in his corner, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha stepped in, partnering with him to purchase his own home in 2009. Habitat Omaha’s commitment to providing safe and affordable housing meant Dieguez didn’t have to fight alone.

“That meant a lot, especially in those days, because we were struggling a lot and our family was growing,” he said. “We didn’t have enough space for the kids. This house was a blessing.”

Chasing His Boxing Dream

Dieguez arrived in the U.S. in the 1990s with the dream of becoming a professional boxer. Early in his career, he made a decent living fighting opponents from the same promotional company. He even faced future world champions.

After seven years living in Los Angeles and meeting his wife, Estela, Dieguez moved to Omaha in 1999 to keep his professional boxing dreams alive. But after only one fight in four years, he worked as a meat packer to support his family.

Still, he wanted to stay involved with boxing. Dieguez joined Brian McIntyre at his gym, B&B Sports Academy, to help train young fighters. That’s when he met Crawford, who was just 14. For several years, Dieguez served as Crawford’s sparring partner.

“I knew he was special,” Dieguez said. “I used to spar with many kids, and he was the best.”

Crawford smiled when recalling his time sparring with his much older trainer, the Los Angeles Times reported in 2023.

“I was just a kid when we sparred,” Crawford said. “I remember he would hit me hard. I was a bit bigger than him, but he had all this experience.”

Dieguez celebrating Crawford’s win (left). Dieguez sparring with Crawford (right).

A Habitat Home for a Growing Family

While Dieguez was helping shape a champion in the ring, he was also fighting for stability at home.

After moving to Omaha, Dieguez and his family — which by then included their oldest son — lived in an apartment for several years. They later moved into a house with a family friend. A third move found the family in a crowded rental shared with six others.

But as their family grew, Estela knew they needed more space. A friend who had purchased their home through Habitat Omaha recommended the Home Journey program to her.

The Home Journey program offers financial education, affordable mortgage loans and community resources to help hardworking people buy homes and build a lasting foundation for future generations.

Shortly after their twins — their fourth and fifth children — were born, Estela applied for and was accepted into the program.

“It was a blessing for us,” Estela said. “I was praying for the opportunity from Habitat.”

The day the couple received the keys to their new five-bedroom home near 25th and Binney streets was emotional.

“I was happy to have the opportunity to have a house, especially a new house, with my kids,” Estela said.

“Our kids were excited to have their own rooms,” Dieguez said.

Proud homeowners, Esau and Estela Dieguez.

A Goal to be the Best

Crawford began his professional boxing career in 2008 and kept Dieguez on his training staff. Dieguez believes that was due to their similar work ethic.

“As a trainer, I set goals to be one of the best, not just average,” he said. “His goal was to be the best boxer. Our dreams matched.”

Crawford is undefeated with 42 wins, including 31 by knockout.

Dieguez and McIntyre were in Crawford’s corner when he faced Canelo Alvarez for the unified super middleweight title on Sept. 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The bout, billed as the “Fight of the Century” was broadcast live on Netflix.

“It’s a blessing. It’s a pleasure to work with this team and see Bud grow,” Dieguez said. “It makes me so happy and so blessed to be a part of it.

Thanks to Habitat Omaha, Dieguez found more than a home – he found the foundation to keep fighting for his family, his dreams and the champions he helps build.