Amateur Boxing at Famed Youth Center
A special reunion was held last Saturday at the legendary Hollenbeck Boxing Gym in Boyle Heights, California. The reunion, taking place during the 2013 “Road to Gold” amateur boxing show, was to honor a group of fighters from past eras in boxing who trained together in the ’70s-’80s.
Hollenbeck President and CEO Danny Hernandez introduced former fighters (and current trainers) Al Stankie, Rudy Barragan (LAPD Coach), and boxing brothers Jose, Memo and Cipi Arreola as the ex-pugs all stepped into the ring. Stankie is a former officer and trained young champs Paul Gonzales and Oscar De La Hoya.
The men reminisced about the early days of training decades ago and how the sweet science has stayed with them through the years. There were USA Boxing officials working at this show who have also known the group of fighters brought up into the ring. Referees/Judges Henry Garcia, Ray Chavez and Greg Fajardo remember training and boxing alongside the honorees at the weekend event. Many of the guys recall boxing out of the basement of a nearby police station–and the inception of what they explained would later form the early Hollenbeck fighters and champs.
“We saw the true art of boxing begin at Hollenbeck,” was the sentiment of the day.
This “Road to Gold” show hosted by Team Hollenbeck has the goal of the 2016 Olympics in their sights. The youngsters and teens are trained by Head Coach Jose Arreola (nicknamed “Coach Ugly”) and Assistant Coach Servando Arredondo. The show was in association with the Hollenbeck Youth Center, Hollenbeck Youth Center and the Hollenbeck Police Business Council.
The bouts featured many area clubs including Eddie Heredia, Hesperia Pride, MBT Boxing, Kemo’s Fight Factory, GTO Boxing, Team OC, Five Star, Ultimate Warriors, South LA and more competing for the win. The athletes, from ages 11-29, all gave it their all at this Hollenbeck show.
Boxing helps the youth learn self-discipline and self-confidence while helping to keep them off the streets and away from gangs, drugs and crime.
Many in the crowd praised Danny Hernandez for providing this outlet for the boys and girls in the tough barrios of East L.A. His mission statement is “All kids are a lifetime investment” and the trainers at the gym also abide by this belief.
Coach Jose “Ugly” Arreola and his brothers have been involved in boxing since they were all little boys. Cipi, Memo and Jose all joined together to continue the family legacy; their brother is California Boxing Hall of Famer Adrian Arreola, who was a popular draw at the Olympic Auditorium and the Forum.
Also in attendance at this reunion show was mayoral candidate Emanuel Pleitez, well-regarded Coachella Valley boxing coach Lee Espinoza, and amateur stars Ryan Garcia, 14, and Sean Garcia, 12.
Team Hollenbeck will have a busy summer as they continue their quest toward Olympic glory. There will be a special luncheon this Thursday to showcase the boxing team’s success, along with guest speaker District Attorney Jackie Lacey. The young boxers will also prep for the Junior Golden Gloves being held next month.
Each jab, every punch provides them the experience needed to make their Olympic dreams come true.
Check out my exclusive photos from the day and congrats to all the boxers!
Photos by Michele Chong
