The next round: Fort Bend Boxing Club

Inside the Fort Bend Boxing Club, the lessons extend far beyond jabs and footwork.

“Boxing is a brutal sport, but it’s a disciplined sport,” Owner, Hector Perez Jr said.

The Rosenberg nonprofit has provided young people with an affordable place to learn the sport while emphasizing discipline, respect, and perseverance.

The Fort Bend Boxing Club was founded in 1964 by Hector’s uncle Blas Perez. Blas was a fighter himself, playing the sport from the age of 12, before turning to coaching and building amateur champions.

“My uncle was a brawler. He fought to the end – he never gave up,” Hector shared. “That’s how life is with him right now. He’s had quite a bit of strokes already, he’s still fighting.”

Because of his health, Blas had to step away from running daily operations of the gym

Rather than let the club’s legacy come to an end, Hector decided to step in, but it was not an easy decision.

“At first I didn’t want to. It’s a big responsibility,” Hector admitted. “But I see the kids now – and I’ve been there already. I have something to explain to them now. To give them hope that they can do it, they just gotta keep pushing.”

Today, Hector continues the same values that have defined the boxing club for generations.

In the video above, learn how the gym continues to make a difference in young lives inside and outside of the ring.

The Fort Bend Boxing Club is located at1619 4th Street in Rosenberg.