About
**El Maestro Inc.** is a not-for-profit boxing gym and community center at 1300 Southern Blvd in the South Bronx, NY, founded in 2003 by Fernando "Ponce" Laspina to build physical and mental fortitude among local youth through authentic boxing training.[1][2][3] It offers intense group classes daily, personal training, and a regulation ring under veteran volunteer coaches like boxing director Jose "Coto" Talavera, who guides 25-30 boxers toward Golden Gloves success, college, and careers in fire and police departments—all for a low $40-50 annual membership fee.[2][3][4] Rooted in Puerto Rican heritage and cultural programs, this gritty haven near Freeman Street subway fosters discipline, community engagement, and social development for all ages in a historic ca. 1920 building.[1][2][3]