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Star City Boxing

an afternoon training session

By Mateo Toro

December 6^th, 2018

Last year, Alex Betances opened Star City Boxing, a non-profit boxing gym providing the youth and the community not only an opportunity to be active but also a safe outlet. It was exciting that he opened this gym, as it filled a void in Reading, Pennsylvania's boxing culture, as a club had recently been closed in Baer Park.

I had the opportunity recently to visit and shoot a regular Monday training night at Star City Boxing. I think it's important to support organizations providing a great space and opportunities for the youth. As a photographer documenting is one of the easiest ways to do so by creating visual proof of what they're doing.

Boxing is such a fast-paced, intense sport. Watching boxing on tv is one thing, but watching it in person is an entirely different experience. The boxers are moving really fast and the rounds are over before you know it. Photographing a boxing match, especially between kids, really made me be on my toes in order to leave at the end of the night with some great photos.