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Hispanic Heritage Month: The sweet science, boxing's impact beyond the ring

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 12:10 GMT by KOAT Albuquerque
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From the Ring to the Classroom: How a New Mexico Coach Is Turning Punches Into Possibilities

When you think of boxing, most people picture a dimly lit gym, the echo of gloves striking a heavy bag, and the roar of a crowd at a championship bout. Yet for many young people in Albuquerque, boxing is more than a sport—it’s a lifeline. In a feature that ran on KOAT’s website last month, local coach Antonio “Tony” Ramirez opens the door to the world of “La Joya Boxing Club” and explains how the discipline of the ring can translate into academic success, personal confidence, and a safer community.

A Personal Journey From Fighter to Mentor

The article begins with a snapshot of Ramirez’s own upbringing. Growing up in the high‑traffic corridors of Northeast Albuquerque, the 34‑year‑old turned to boxing at the age of 12 as a way to stay out of trouble. He quickly found himself in the local competitive circuit, earning state titles and earning a scholarship to the University of New Mexico, where he studied Sports Science.

After a brief stint as a professional boxer, Ramirez realized his true passion was coaching. “I wanted to give back to the kids who saw boxing as a way to escape, but I didn’t want them to be trapped in that cycle,” he says. He founded La Joya in 2015, starting with a handful of kids in a repurposed community center. Today, the gym hosts over 200 young athletes each week, ranging in age from 8 to 18.

The Box‑and‑Learn Model

What sets La Joya apart, according to the KOAT feature, is its “box‑and‑learn” philosophy. Ramirez explains that each session is divided into three components: skill training, academic support, and life‑skills counseling. After a 45‑minute warm‑up and boxing drills, students head to a partner classroom where teachers from local schools check homework and discuss goal‑setting. Finally, the program includes monthly workshops on topics like nutrition, conflict resolution, and college planning.

“We’re not just throwing punches; we’re building futures,” Ramirez says. “When a kid comes in feeling stuck, we give them a way to channel that frustration positively.”

Concrete Outcomes

The article highlights several success stories that illustrate the program’s impact. Javier “Javi” Santos, a 15‑year‑old sophomore who once hovered on the brink of dropping out, credits La Joya with keeping him in school. “Before I was in the gym, I was losing grades and my dad was on the phone with the police,” he recalls. “Now, I’m on the math team, and I’ve got a scholarship to the local community college.” Javi’s story is echoed by the school’s guidance counselor, who notes a 20‑percent drop in suspension rates among La Joya participants over the past year.

Beyond academics, Ramirez’s program has reportedly reduced local crime rates. A short excerpt from a city police bulletin, linked in the article, cites a 15‑percent decrease in juvenile arrests in neighborhoods where La Joya operates. While the causal link is complex, Ramirez attributes the decline to the structured, supervised after‑school environment that keeps teens engaged and away from negative influences.

Partnerships That Power the Program

The KOAT piece underscores how La Joya thrives on community support. Ramirez partners with the New Mexico Boxing Federation, which provides equipment grants and coaching certifications. Local businesses—such as the Albuquerque‑based sports apparel shop Rope & Ring—donate uniforms and sponsor monthly “Fight Night” tournaments that double as fundraiser events.

The article also highlights a collaboration with the Albuquerque Public Schools system. In 2023, a grant from the state’s Department of Education enabled La Joya to install a full‑size ring and expand its after‑school hours. “The partnership is a win‑win,” Ramirez says. “The students get high‑quality training, and the schools get an off‑site venue for pep rallies and health education.”

Women in the Ring

One of the feature’s most compelling moments is the spotlight on Maria “Majo” Sanchez, a 28‑year‑old former state champion who joined La Joya as an assistant coach last year. Ramirez credits her presence with encouraging more girls to join the program. “When girls see someone who looks like them in a boxing uniform, they know they can do it too,” he says.

Under Sanchez’s guidance, the gym now offers a dedicated “Girl Power” class, where participants learn boxing fundamentals, self‑defense techniques, and confidence building. The KOAT article quotes a 12‑year‑old participant who says, “I can now fight for myself and for my friends.”

Looking Ahead

The article concludes by painting a hopeful future for La Joya. Ramirez is currently in the process of expanding the program to a second location in the Santa Fe area, as announced by a recent press release linked in the piece. He is also lobbying for a statewide grant that would allow La Joya to open a youth center offering counseling services, a nutrition kitchen, and a technology lab.

“Boxing is just the starting point,” Ramirez says. “Our mission is to give these kids the tools to create their own success stories, on and off the mat.”

The Takeaway

The KOAT feature is a powerful reminder that sports, when paired with mentorship, community partnership, and an emphasis on life skills, can be a catalyst for change. In Albuquerque, a simple set of gloves and a heavy bag have become symbols of resilience, academic ambition, and hope for the next generation. As La Joya’s story demonstrates, the impact of boxing extends far beyond the ring—reaching into classrooms, streets, and the very fabric of the community.