Jake Paul and WBO Open Renovated Gym in Utuado, Puerto Rico

On May 29, 2024, Jake Paul and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) officially inaugurated a renovated municipal gym in Utuado, Puerto Rico. The gym, located in the Cabrera neighborhood, now boasts state-of-the-art training equipment and facilities, providing a significant boost to the local boxing community.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures, including WBO President Francisco Valcárcel, Utuado Mayor Jorge Pérez, and representatives from Jake Paul's Boxing Bullies initiative. The renovated gym features a new boxing ring, various training equipment, remodeled bathrooms, and upgraded flooring.

Francisco Valcárcel emphasized the gym's importance, stating, "The gym is the best place where a young person can be. Here, you learn to be courteous, respectful, humble, and disciplined." This project is part of a broader initiative by the WBO and Boxing Bullies to promote boxing and provide safe spaces for young athletes in Puerto Rico.

The event also saw the attendance of former world champions Samuel Serrano, Alex "El Nene" Sánchez, and René Santiago, who joined the celebrations and shared their experiences with the local community. Francisco Correa, a representative of Boxing Bullies, highlighted the initiative's goals, saying, "We want to give space to young people and individuals in the area to develop as individuals and athletes. As we open spaces like this for youth, we take them off the streets, new friendships, learning discipline, and better quality of life."

The gym's renovation is part of a partnership between the WBO and Boxing Bullies aimed at promoting the development of boxing talent in Puerto Rico. The collaboration seeks to renovate and supervise gyms across the island, ensuring they remain clean and functional for young athletes. Valcárcel noted, "The alliance we have made with Jake Paul will continue to bear fruit because we have a list of gyms. We will be supervising the already renovated gyms to keep them clean."

The initiative has received support from various sponsors, including ECONO and Home Power Sun Energy. These partnerships are vital in maintaining the gym facilities and supporting the ongoing development of young boxers in Puerto Rico.

The opening of the renovated gym in Utuado marks a significant milestone in the efforts to promote boxing and provide safe, supportive environments for young athletes. The WBO and Boxing Bullies continue their work, and the local community can look forward to more opportunities for growth and development in the sport.

Key Takeaways

• Jake Paul and WBO inaugurate renovated gym in Utuado, Puerto Rico.
• Gym features state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for local boxing community.
• Initiative aims to promote boxing and provide safe spaces for young athletes.
• Partnership will renovate and supervise gyms across Puerto Rico.
• Local community benefits from new opportunities for growth and development.