The boxing club on Des Moines' east side creating a safe place for students
The boxing club on Des Moines' east side creating a safe place for students
The boxing club on Des Moines' east side creating a safe place for students
The boxing club on Des Moines' east side creating a safe place for students
Enrique Uvalle, a professional boxer and two-time Golden Glove champion, founded EMU Azteca Boxing Club on Des Moines' East Side to offer fighters a supportive environment, drawing from his own experiences of overcoming bullying and adversity.
From the outside, you can see the words "Boxing For a Purpose" on the exterior windows. Uvalle says his purpose is to make sure every student who walks through the doors knows they belong there.
"This is their second home," Uvalle said.
Growing up in Laredo, Texas, Uvalle says he dealt with his fair share of bullies. He discovered his strength in defending himself. Uvalle realized he had power not just to stand up for himself, but to make a change. This realization led him to pursue boxing.
"If I was having a bad day, like, I would just go to the gym and I would put that in the past," Uvalle said.
Despite facing challenges such as bullies, financial struggles and finding a suitable gym in Central Iowa, Uvalle persevered. He made the decision to eventually open his own gym, taking a leap of faith.
"I was nervous to give that next step, but I got on my knees and I prayed to him that if it was something that was really good for us and for everybody around us ... then why not," Uvalle said.
The gym welcomes fighters of all skill levels.
"Anybody that walks through that door is a family member now," Uvalle said.
Fighters, like Krayton Hansen, share the same sentiment.
Krayton added, "Everybody's family here. Everybody hangs out outside of the gym when there's family events. We go over there and we all hang out together."
It's a place that fosters a sense of community where members train, grow and support each other. While inspiring young fighters to achieve success in boxing, Uvalle also emphasizes the importance of life lessons.
"The grit that we put in here is the same grit that's going to help you out there, out of these walls," Uvalle said.
»
» Download the free vlog app to get updates on the go: |
