Hanes-Gonzalez is adamant that boxing saves lives more than it damages them, explaining that for many in Mexico City boxing offers the only way out, instilling discipline and dedication in those training. “Boxers learn about putting forth effort. It’s an individual sport, but you represent your neighborhood, your gym, your coach. Boxing gives a sense of pride, of belonging…to be a good boxer you need to be a good person in the ring and outside it.” 

He was constantly aware of needing to represent his subjects honestly. “I didn’t want to do this project and have the boxing community be like, ‘That’s not who we are.’ It’s very easy as a first generation Mexican American to cling to the cliché of what Mexican culture is. It’s how it’s marketed to us: all Mexicans love tacos! Tequila! Mariachis! That stuff can all become very stereotyped.” Avoiding cliché was key. “People told me that when they saw my photos they realized, for the first time, how unique their everyday was. They were like ‘Oh! I see what you see!’ That was humbling for me.”