Ad
Featured
Local gym to have several boxers fight at JAB Fest 2024
Able Fitness boxers sparring in the ring before they fight at Jab Fest 2024.
RIO RANCHO — Able Strength Fitness gym in Rio Rancho will have several fighters compete at JAB Fest 2024 on Nov. 9.
The Able Strength fighters will include IB Maiga, Lance Cerros, Ulyses Chavez, Jadrien Royal, Daniel Medina and Josiah Coca. Another fighter was scheduled to fight but her opponent pulled out. The fighter's age ranges from 11 to 39. At Able Strength Fitness, boxers can start training as early as 8 years old.
"It's a good group of young fighters that we got," said Maiga, a coach for Able Strength who also played football for the Duke City Gladiators. He was part of the championship teams in 2018 and 2019.
JAB Fest 2024 is a boxing event sponsored by USA Boxing, Code of a Champion Boxing Club, Porter Property Inspections, Sweet N' Spicy, DJ Don-B, Sam & Son's Barber Shop, Webster Operator Services, and Two Bears Construction.
"Keep your chin down, and your hands home, and give 110%. Don't cheat the game because the game won't cheat you," trainer Marcus Harvey said. "Watch out for Able Strength boxing!"
Harvey was a pro boxer who has competed in 23 pro fights. He also worked at Freddie Roach Wild Card Boxing Gym, where legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao trained.
Doors open at 1 p.m., and the first bout is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
The JAB Fest 2024 event will be at E3VB New Mexico at 3301 Southern Blvd. SE Suite 101 Rio Rancho.
JAB Fest 2024 is being orchestrated by Steve Padilla, who is responsible for hosting and co-hosting similar events that continuously give young amateur boxers a place to showcase their talents. Padilla has helped 10 boxing events this past year.
"The first one we did with Steve Padilla, he had to rent the ring. At that event we did a fundraiser to raise money to build our own ring so we can build a youth boxing program and continue to host events for them to showcase their abilities," Able Strength Fitness owner Mark Morgenstern said.
Ad
Able Strength hosts about three boxing events per year.
"Boxing has always kept me out of trouble, and you can see how it helps these young kids develop confidence and improve their athletic abilities through our program," Morgenstern said.
While sparring was being led by Maiga and Harvey in the boxing ring, Morgenstern was leading a strength and conditioning class with other gym members.
Besides boxing, Able Strength Fitness offers group fitness classes, free weights, personal training and fitness and nutrition programs.
Gym member Iris Perez is currently following a fitness program that focuses on strength, weight lifting, and nutrition.
This is my first program ever, and it's been really easy to follow ... We like the people, the coaches and the environment is pretty cool," Perez said.
"Above all, we take care of our members and our people here. We know how to work with people who are just starting out," Maiga said.
If you would like to reach out to Able Strength, call 505-349-0023 or visit them at 111 Rio Rancho Blvd NE Suite 105, Rio Rancho.
