FOBA Foundation

Fres Oquendo FOBA Foundation 🥊🏆

3 unforgettable years at Melrose Park Civic Center with our (FOBA FOUNDATION) youth boxing programs. Through the highs and lows, we watched kids grow not only as fighters but as young men and women learning confidence, discipline, respect and heart. From one of our very first students Jose smashing the pads with speed and power, to one of our youngest students opening up about feeling nervous and left out on her very first day at the gym… these moments reminded us that boxing is more than punches, it’s about building character and family.
Our students came from all walks of life and all ages, from 3 years old all the way into their mid 20’s, and every single one brought something special to our gym. Today I picked up the last of my boxing equipment and framed memories from my career, including my Hall of Fame induction and unforgettable moments inside the ring. Walking out of this building for the last time definitely hits different.

Melrose Park Civic Center will always be part of our journey and history, and I’ll forever be grateful for the memories we created together. But as the saying goes, when one door closes another one opens… and the next chapter for FOBA FOUNDATION is going to be even bigger and stronger. Keep your eyes open kids… we’re just getting started. 🥊❤️
CommunityStrong

Today marks the closing of one of our FOBA FOUNDATION boxing programs at the Melrose Park Civic Center. It hurts knowing another person will be taking over the gym we built with love, passion, and dedication for our kids. Parents are already telling me it’ll never feel the same again, and hearing that means more to me than they’ll ever know.
For the past 3 years, we worked with kids from 4 to 26 years old, giving them more than boxing lessons. We gave them hope, discipline, confidence, and a family inside our boxing community. One special student is .8 . He came to us 3 years ago struggling with his weight and confidence, and now he’s half the size he was when he first walked into our gym. Today he’s getting ready to graduate high school and is now playing on the Mexican Youth National Soccer Team. That right there is why we do this.

When I can put a smile on these kids’ faces and help change their lives for the better, then I know I did my job. To all my volunteers, students, and families in Melrose Park, thank you for trusting us and believing in our mission. This chapter of may be closing, but another chapter will open because we’re doing God’s work with these kids.

I’m truly going to miss this community and these amazing young champions. Love you all dearly and hopefully one day we’ll be back stronger than ever. 👊🏽💛🏆
BoxingFamily🙏🏽💛🥊