sports
Get in the ring! Inside California’s top boxing club
These images of Lee Espinoza’s iconic gym in the Coachella Valley weren’t just about sport – they also helped photographer Darren Vargas deal with the death of his grandfather
TL;DR
- Darren Vargas's first publication, 'Moretón,' features the Lee Espinoza Coachella Valley Boxing Club.
- The project was inspired by the death of Vargas's grandfather, Esmael, in 2020.
- Lee Espinoza, owner of the boxing club, is described as the 'godfather of boxing' and reminded Vargas of his grandfather.
- The boxing club is a non-profit organization in southern California that supports a largely immigrant community.
- Vargas views the Coachella Valley as a representation of building something from nothing.
- Vargas reflects on personal fears and regrets concerning his relationship with his grandfather and his own life choices.
- The book explores themes of finding a sense of place, self, and forgiveness.
- Espinoza's gym is filled with memorabilia and has a legacy of training notable boxers like Oscar De La Hoya and Sandra Yard.
- The gym is described as feeling like 'home' and provides a comforting and supportive environment for kids.
- Vargas expresses gratitude to Espinoza and hopes the book conveys appreciation for his life's work.