The gym known simply as Holyoke Boxing has become a second home to three teenage state boxing champions.
By AZELL CAVAAN
The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road - long before I dance under those lights.
- Muhammad Ali
There is no sign on the door. In fact, by its outward appearance, the building is nothing more than a backyard garage, nestled behind a few trees in a working-class neighborhood in the city of Holyoke.
But every evening, the gym that has become a second home to three teenage state boxing champions bursts to life, brimming with heavy bags, double-end speed bags, weight machines, a treadmill and even lockers. Dozens of trophies earned by the boys' trainer Hector Torres (the oldest of seven brothers widely known throughout the state for their Golden Glove competitions) line the walls, showcasing the skill and potential of those who train here.
Known simply as Holyoke Boxing, this gym has been the training ground for three Springfield Public Schools students who will compete this weekend for titles in the Junior Olympic New England Regional Tournament in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Already state champions, 15-year-old Johnadiel Santiago, a freshman at the High School of Commerce, his brother, 16-year-old Luis Santiago, a junior at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, and 16-year-old Anthony Velazquez, a sophomore at Central High School, say they are committed to the sport of boxing and hope to "go all the way."
Their parents and trainer insist that means more than having a fast jab or fierce left hook.
"We emphasize the importance of education, that's always first and foremost," said Torres, who has been training the boys for about a year. "We want a full package: trained bodies and trained minds."
The boys have risen to each standard, taking their school work as seriously as their boxing.
Velazquez plans to attend college and major in business. "I will need to know how to handle my business affairs as a boxer," he said.
Luis and Johnadiel plan to have careers as an architect and police officer, respectively.
The boys agree that boxing will remain a crucial component of who they are and what they do. "We train hard to make our dreams come true," said Luis.
Despite a training schedule that encompasses more than 17 hours a week on school days (and often begins with a run to the top of Mount Tom before the boys even enter the gym) the students set time aside every night for homework and enjoy time with friends on the weekend. They say they would never be where they are if not for the loving support of family. "They show us the big picture," said Johnadiel.
Holyoke Boxing, run by Torres, is operated at no cost to the students. The building was donated by Pablo Rivera, a sixth-grade math teacher at the Springfield Renaissance School and licensed boxer.
Torres describes his training style and gym as "old fashioned - an old-school throw down." But he emphasizes that the training these students receive is about more than speed and agility.
"We're proud of the young men that they are becoming," said Torres. "These boys are ready for any challenge that may come before them."
Azell Cavaan is chief communications officer for the Springfield Public Schools; she can be reached by email to cavaana@sps.springfield.ma.us