Boxing in Corpus Christi fosters community, self-confidence and respect
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Jenelle Leal, 31, shadow boxes at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 29, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Leal said she’s always been competitive but became interested in boxing after watching the 2000 movie, Girlfight. “You can’t blame your losses or winning on anybody, it’s all you.” She boxed competitively for about 11 years before taking a break.
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Head Boxing Coach Richard Rodriguez, 76, stands on the gym’s steps and high-fives boxers as they run laps at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 27, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Children as young as eight years old and adults train at the gym. “It’s a good outlet,” he said. “Come box, come train, get physical.”
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Isaiah Villegas, 22, and coach Salvador Belmontes stand in an open doorway and watch boxers train outside at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 26, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The six volunteer coaches at the gym are certified through USA Boxing. Aside from gear, boxers are financially responsible for their own membership with USA Boxing.
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Boxers take a breather after running laps at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 26, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Most boxers join the gym through word-of-mouth referrals, Head Coach Richard Rodriguez said.
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Leon Perez, left, and Fernando Gaeta, 8, take a breather after running laps at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 26, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. The gym has more than 60 boxers registered through USA Boxing, Head Coach Richard Rodriguez said.
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Christopher Medrano, 16, strains finishing bicycle kicks at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 27, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Coach Juan Perez said boxing gives children “something else to put energy into” after school.
Angela Piazza/ Caller-Times
Christian Perez, 24, a professional boxer, jump-ropes at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 27, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Perez started boxing when he was eight years old. His father, Juan Perez, began coaching at the same time. “He came in as a little kid afraid of everything. Now he can stare down the biggest guy toughest guy, no qualms,” Juan said. “It’s really not about fear, it’s really about being confident in what you can do.”
Angela Piazza/ Caller-Times
Antonio Clark, 15, and other boxers do pike push-ups at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 27, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Christian Perez, 24, a professional boxer, said the environment draws people to the sport. “Everybody’s like a family,” he said. “In this gym when you walk in, even if it’s the first time you got to shake hands with everybody.”
Angela Piazza/ Caller-Times
Gary Beltran, 23, hits a striking bag at Gollihar Neighborhood Boxing Center on July 26, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Head Coach Richard Rodriguez has noticed more gyms have popped up in the area over the…
Read More: Boxing in Corpus Christi fosters community, self-confidence and respect 2023-09-10 05:05:15