The Ring Leader
Photo posted April 9, 2019 in
Sports by Eric Firestine
Iván Calderón is a former professional boxer from Puerto Rico who lives out his passion for the sport by running a municipal boxing gym in Guaynabo.
Now 44 years old, Calderón won belts in two weight classes during a career that saw him go 35-3-1 and earn the title of “super champion” from the World Boxing Organization. These days, Calderón coaches and mentors athletes at the Amelia Municipal Boxing Gym, where he trains boxers ranging from those looking for exercise to those pursuing a career in the sport.
Former professional boxer Ivan Calderon talks with Luis Rivera, a boxer he is training, at his gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon talks with friends as his boxers finish their workouts by stretching in the ring. Ivan socializes during times when his supervision is not needed. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon trains Jeyvier J. Cintron Ocasio during a workout in Calderon's gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon uses his stopwatch to time boxer Carlos "Pote" Vidal in a jump rope workout. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon video chats with his daughter and grandson during a break from his duties. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Cesare Causin, 17, takes a break between workouts at Ivan Calderon's gym. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon instructs boxers of all ages, including Aaliyah Rosado Perez, 11, at the Amelia Municipal Boxing Gym. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon talks with trainer Joshua Phillip, right, as Phillip stretches boxer Jeyvier J. Cintron Ocasio.
/ Photo by Eric Firestine
Boxer Alfredo Santiago trains at Amelia Municipal Boxing Gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Former professional boxer Ivan Calderon instructs boxers as they spar in the ring at his gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Trainer Alfonso Uri Ramos Roman, left, spars with boxer Luis Rivera, at the Amelia Municipal Boxing Gym. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon clings to his five-month-old grandson, Keydan David, as he oversees boxers practicing in his gym. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon jokes with boxer Carlos "Pote" Vidal outside the gym. / Photo by Eric Firestine
After an hour-long workout, Carlos "Pote" Vidal leaves Ivan Calderon's gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Vidal sits in his truck after leaving Ivan Calderon's gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. / Photo by Eric Firestine
Ivan Calderon spends a few minutes alone while eating lunch at his gym. / Photo by Eric Firestine