In north Fort Worth stands a small brick building running off of a portable generator with no noticeable markings on the outside except a faded sign reading, “JC’s Classic’s”.
Cipriano Orozco, owner and operator of the gym, said it has been preparing amateur and professional boxers for the past 27 years.
The gym struggles to continue keeping its doors open as attendance has decreased over the years.
However, Orozco doesn’t seem to notice as he watched two of his fighters compete.
Israel Perez, 13, has been boxing for three years, all at JC’s Classic’s, but this will be his first year competing for Golden Gloves.
Perez began boxing with his father for fun. When asked what he loves about boxing, he simply said, “I get to punch people.”

Another fighter at the gym is Cesar Ramirez, 26, who has been fighting for the same time, but at different gyms around Fort Worth.
This will be Ramirez’s second time at Golden Gloves after making it to the semi-finals last year.
Ramirez is confident in his fighting and feels this year he is more prepared.
“I put a lot of time into this,” he said. “I’m going to win for sure.”
The regional competition begins on Tuesday, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 25. Winners will compete in the state competition the following week.