Photo By Sahra Quiroga
READY TO RUMBLE—Local teens may sign up for boxing lessons now offered in a small gym in the college aquatic complex. Undefeated boxing star Lazaro “El Rey” Lorenzana, a San Diego native fighting out of Tijuana, was at the ribbon cutting.
By Victor Meza
Southwestern’s newest athletic endeavor promises to be a knockout.
Boxing has entered the ring.
SWC has joined forces with Two Hands Boxing to start a community program for beginners to serious professionals.
“Offering something new,” said Athletics Director Ron Valenzuela. “Offering something exciting that we really feel resonates with South Bay residents.”
Participants can choose contact or non-contact training, according to Dale Soliven of Two Hands Boxing.
“We will introduce sparring to the members, it is optional,” he said. “There are amateurs that are training for competition and professionals that we are training as well.”
Student members of the Jaguars Aquatics Wellness and Sports will pay an additional $75 fee to box, while non-student members will pay a $150 fee to join the lessons.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was well attended.
“This is wonderful,” said Pat Russell, a Boxing Hall of Fame referee and member of the California State Athletic Commission. “The nice part about this is seeing the community enriched by Southwestern College.”
Soliven said the program is for all ages, from children interested in learning the fundamentals, to competitive amateurs and professionals.
San Diego boxing champion Paul “The Ultimate” Vaden was at the ribbon cutting, as was Lazaro “El Rey” Lorenzana, the undefeated pro with 17 wins, 12 by knockout.
Lorenzana said the San Diego boxing community is small but is growing. Top level fighters Canelo Alvarez and Teofimo Lopez training at House of Boxing in Paradise Hills, attracting more young people to boxing.
