Let’s Keep the Boys Fighting in the Gym and Not in the Streets
"I've seen relatives of mine going in and out of prison. I don't want to be like them. I don't wanna mess up my life. And, Tony here, is like a father figure to us kids. He's just motivating. He's taught us discipline. The best friend I've ever had [says Correa of Serrano]. He's been there with me through ups and downs."
Jose Carerro, Santa Ana Boxing Club Student

"...you can just tell the team spirit and bond these kids have for each other. To me, that's amazing when they can feel like family. Growing up myself, when I was a teenager, I got involved with gangs. I did a lot of things that I feel if I would have had someone like myself that was involved in my life, I wouldn't have taken that route. And, that's what does motivate me, to help these kids stay off the streets and not get involved with gangs, help them get a whole new perspective on life and the community."
Tony Serrano, Gym Director

Making a Difference
Anthony Serrano, Gym Director and the other Boxing Club coaches are committed to reaching out and making a difference in the lives of the young people that walk through its doors. In many ways, Anthony is a father figure to the boys. One day, while talking about the unconditional love of the Father, Anthony shared with the boys how He loves us even when we blow it. A young boy started crying. When Anthony asked him what was wrong, the boy told him how his father was shot and killed and how much Anthony looked like him.
 
One time, a boy walked in with red in his eyes. Anthony approached him and asked if he had been taking drugs. The boy denied it and left crying. Anthony ran after him saying, "What's wrong? I want to be your friend." The boy explained to him how he had run away from home and hadn't seen his family in a week. Anthony took the boy to his home and called the boy's mother. With tears the two were reunited. Anthony reflects, "This is why I am here...to help the kids."
 
Not only do the Boxing Club coaches seek to teach young people character, but also techniques to prepare them for the boxing ring. The boys are developing great boxing skills.  Two boys Brian Gonzales and Roberto Vargas, have gone to National Competitions.  Roberto won a gold medal in the Mexico Golden Glove Competition and Brian went to Brownsville, Texas to compete in the National Junior Boxing Olympics.  Adrian Gutierrez is also competing. See the video.

Read the full article in the Orange County Register.

The gym is open Monday - Friday  4:30 to 7:30 PM.

A Brief History
On the corner of Fourth and Garfield in Santa Ana stands the Santa Ana Boxing Club -- a place rich in history and full of heart. The gym is located between two known gangs, next to a bar and in a poor part of Santa Ana.  It is located in the empowerment zone area of the city. 

Back in the 70's, John Ramirez, Sr. opened the gym.  It was considered a safe haven for the young people in this low-income neighborhood.  John Ramirez, Sr. had a way with the youth and when they entered the gym, it was neutral ground.  For years the City of Santa Ana supported the gym with Community Development Block Grants.  John Ramirez, Jr. became disabled and died.  For five years the gym was vacant.  Frank Ramirez, who lives behind the gym and runs the bar and rooming house, left everything as it was. 

Rosemarie Avila, a Santa Ana School Board Member, had a vision to start after-school programs for the children in Santa Ana.  She met Police Sergeant Richard Murg during a tour of Israel.  At the Hyatt in Jerusalem, she shared her vision with Richard Murg and his wife Sandy.  Rich, who had trained in the gym for many years, offered to ask Frank if she could use the gym for a youth program.  Two days after arriving from Israel, Rosie got the call that Frank said yes, and that the Orange County Youth Commission could start a youth boxing program there. 

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