The Jack Candelaria Community and Boxing Training Center, a pillar of the South San Jose neighborhood’s boxing community, celebrated its grand reopening last weekend following extensive renovations.
The upgrades are part of an initiative to reinvest in historic neighborhoods, transforming the aging gym into a modern training facility while preserving its rich history.
The revitalized center now features a new championship ring, enhanced fitness equipment and accessible computers. Originally established in 1985 after the closure of the historic Williams Street Gym, the center was created through grassroots advocacy led by noted Albuquerque labor organizer Jake Valencia Sr., with initial funding from the New Mexico State Legislature. Valencia’s son was a state Golden Gloves champion and has served as a boxing coach at the community center for years…