Rolando "IRON MAN" Chinea
A while back during my short lived period of training at Finefrock & Stumpf Golden Gloves Center, I met a professional boxer that trains out of that gym. His name is Rolando, "Iron Man" Chinea and his professional record is currently at 7 wins (4 of them are KO's) 0 losses. He's going for his 8th win June 28th at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA.
Based on my experience training with him, I can remember doing a punching exercise called, "Push Punch" and basically, one person holds a large medicine ball advancing forward while the other person punches it. Lemme tell you, this guy hits hard and my ribs still felt the impact of his punches, despite the worn medicine ball absorbing the majority of the force. I was so glad when that exercise was over because I was hurtin.
Aside his stone hands, he's a reserved and focused individual. I began to notice his success and I felt I had to show support in any way I could by creating a portrait of training sessions.
Doug shadow boxes in the square canvas
Jump rope is part of any boxer's training regime
Tonight's Challenge
I arrived there early along with Doug (a previous fighter of Coach Barry) and followed by Coach Juan, who opened the doors to the gym. Tonight was scheduled as a sparring night, which fortunately, resulted in some interesting shots. However; the biggest challenge photographically, was to get the subject in focus primarily with a manual focus lens. I also brought along a 15-55mm wide angle zoom lens, just in case if putting the action in focus posed too much of a challenge. I was up to the task and determined to show how hard Rolando trains almost everyday, so he could be one day a champion and to put Lancaster on the map.
Rolando was sparring multiple partners that night! It was a true test of endurance and his conditioning, almost simulating multiple rounds in a boxing match.
Rolando finally arrives and warms up with the jump rope
Meanwhile, Coach Juan shadow boxes
Coach Juan, a.k.a. "The Sarge" Vasquez & Head Boxing Coach, Barry Stumpf
Coach Barry teaches character building with one of his kids about a firm hand shake
After the rope, Rolando stretches before he puts in some shadow boxing
Shadow boxing helps perfect whole-body technique
Coach Barry interrupts to give some adjustments
Felix, one of fighters training at the center
Gabriel, another fighter with the long time member of the gym, Rocky
Wrapping the fists is personally, the most intimate part of preparation
Quick inspection of the wrapping technique
3 time, state Golden Glove Champion and retired pro-boxer, Bobby "The Boogie Man" High
Always giving love and praise
On most nights, Coach Barry records a video to show his Facebook supporters what's going on
After the rope, the shadow boxing, and wraps, it's time for some heavy bag work
Sparring is finally about to begin
Bobby helps Rolando's sparring partner keeping the gloves laced and secure
Rolando's first sparring match of the evening
The Boogie Man is just as enthusiastic as the fighters
The Sarge closely evaluates the fighters
Hehehehe........
One for the camera!
It was a tough night
Rolando sparred with more fighters that same night
Rocky chillin
Coach and The Boogie Man
It was an intense night for Rolando
Stop by at his FB page and press the like button:
The Reading Inner-City Boxing Club serve the youth, helping them to become champions whether it's inside the ring or out. The person who has this big responsibility is Head Coach, Darnell Molina.