The Santa Ana Boxing Club hosted their 4th Annual “Off the Streets and into the Ring” event yesterday.  The show was sponsored by Northgate Gonzalez Markets; Attorney Deborah Vasquez; UFCW 324; and Chicanos Unidos. The boxing show was held at 901 E. 4th St., in Santa Ana.

The crowd was fairly large for such a warm day.  Everyone had a great time.  The event included raffles and there were vendors selling a lot of different items.  My son Jimmy really enjoyed the homemade ice cream.  I had some too and it was terrific.

The boxers varied in age.  I saw one lad get in the ring who was only ten years old.  He was quite good.  His coach said they have trained a lot.  I believe it.  It is great to see this program helping our young people find ways to get fit and stay busy.

On the corner of 4th St. 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.

Here is additional information regarding the Santa Ana Boxing Club:

Back in the 70s, 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 has supported the gym with Community Development Block Grants.

Services provided:

MONDAY-FRIDAY 3:00PM TO 4:00PM (WIA TUTORING PROGRAM 16-21 YRS.)

MONDAY-FRIDAY 4:00PM TO 7:30PM (BOXING PROGRAM)

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FOR YOUTHS ARE AVAILABLE.

For more information call 714-835-6525 or click here.