Future Boxing Stars on the rise in Texas !
photo credit: Carlos Vincent Photography
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has been absolutely brutal for everyone from all over the world. Local businesses in Texas are definitely no exception. Recently gyms were able to finally reopen their doors this week. This was allowed however only under extremely strict guidelines from the state of Texas. One of the gyms that re-opened back up was S.W.E.A.T Boxing in Irving, Texas. S.W.E.A.T Boxing is also home of some of the rising young talent in the world of boxing today.
photo credit: Carlos Vincent Photography
The head boxing instructor Hector Vazquez is the Welterweight Champion in Texas, is a semi-retired professional boxer today and Olympian. Hector along with other coaches and trainers teach technical boxing skills as well as intense body conditioning and suggested nutritional options upon request.
Grand Prairie, Texas has become a true hot bed of exciting boxing talent recently ever since Golden Boy’s Vergil Ortiz Jr. helped put the city on the map for boxing fans.
photo credit: Carlos Vincent Photography
Also, out of Grand Prairie, Texas is the ultra talented Mark Vasquez (5-1,2ko). Mark at 23 years old, is a 5-year professional prize fighter with great size, talent and amazing support from the community and from his father / trainer, Mark A. Vasquez providing the perfect balance to make a huge impact in the sport of boxing. Mark is 6’2” tall and is built like a tank with explosive punching power to match. Boxing fans definitely need to keep an eye on this young lion. Mark who also goes by “El Guero” in the ring seems to have fully developed an all around boxing game in the ring which is bad news for any of his future opponents, but sweet music to the ears of his fans.
Mark also brings great head movement and an aggressive boxing style that all boxing fans love. Mark wants to make a statement and show out every single time he’s in the ring. If you’re able to see Mark live do yourself a favor get good seats and don't blink.
Here a quote that Mark lives by that he learned from his fathers, Mark A Vasquez who is also Mark’s trainer and manager.
“Talent means nothing, without hard work”. "Can’t wait to show everyone and all the people who voted on the poll [ Twitter poll from LongLiveBoxing ] what we got going into this next fight!'
Mark "El Guero" Vasquez
photo credit: Carlos Vincent Photography
Mark’s stable mate who is also from Grand Prairie, Texas is one of the most exciting boxing prospects in boxing today too.
I’m talking of none other than Mr. Rafa “Listo” Gaitan (5-0-1,3ko) At 21 years old, Listo has already established a reputation for bringing the high energy and excitement to all of his events. In the DFW local fight scene Listo is already receiving unbelievable support from Dallas area sponsors and fight fans.
The support for Listo didn't come by accident either. Listo's support comes from hard-work and establishing himself as one of the best amateurs in the United States. Listo’s father Coach “Knuckles” Gaitan really helped Listo and Listo’s little brother “Chuco” Gaitan learn to love winning. And winning they surely did. “Listo” won almost every award and championship available in the amateurs including 7x Golden Gloves, Jr Olympic Champion,3x Texas State Champion, and a National Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist before turning pro in late 2017. Now as a professional prize fighter “Listo” is with Mikey Garcia Promotions and has headlined several sold out events.
Here a quote that “Listo” lives by that he learned from his fathers, Coach Knuckles Gaitan who is also Listo’s trainer and manager.
“Pain is Temporary, Pride is forever" ! Keeping that in mind while I’m training or in the ring sparring, it always allowed me to give even more to push myself through whatever I'm feeling whether it be myself getting tired during a workout, or getting caught with a good shot in sparring. “
Rafa “Listo” Gaitan
There is absolutely no stopping these young stars on the rise. Next time there back in action make sure you check them out. You can thank me later. Also, checkout S.W.E.A.T Boxing Gym and Training facility for all of your boxing and physical fitness needs.
Don't miss the chance to be apart of something special at S.W.E.A.T Boxing Gym and Training Facility.
– We will not have more than 12 people in a boot-camp class designed with a separation of 6 ft between members.
– Please contact us to RSVP for class if possible so that we can be better prepared. It will be first come first serve. We will have to turn some people away.
– Boxing Class is still Monday-Thursday 7:30 – 8:30 PM
– We will only allow 12 people in the gym to workout at one time excluding staff.
– We will not be providing any gloves or hand wraps to borrow. Only to purchase.
– We will provide equipment cleaning products throughout the gym or exercise facility or class for use on equipment, including dead weights.
– We will screen employees, contractors and class participants before coming into the gym to train or for class.
– We will have employees and contractors maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, other measures such as face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
– We will regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
Hector 972-800-2882 | Brandon 256-468-6184
Checkout our full interview with Hector, Mark and Listo back on 10/29/2019 from the "EnVivo" Podcast. Also, available on all major podcast platforms. Listen and download today!
written by: Sean Hicks