Expansion of the San Quentin boxing program is being boosted with the help of an experienced boxer who is also a correctional officer.
Correctional Officer M. Polk said he is willing to assist San Quentin inmates with the finer points of boxing, giving them not just boxing skills, but also a sense of direction and discipline. The program will use the existing equipment already in place on the Lower Yard.
At San Quentin, there’s been a heightened interest in sports, including boxing, since the conversion of West Block and Donner Block into general population with an influx of inmates from other prisons.
One participant, inmate Gregory Tabarez, said he obtained his boxing experience while at Vacaville from 1983-1985. While there, he was the lead man in the gym, and said he had the opportunity to learn about the science of boxing.
“I received my first set of boxing gloves for my fifth birthday, and on the same day, my older sister, Maria, beat me up with my new boxing gloves,” said Tabarez. “But it was the last time she beat me up.”
“Boxing is a sport that’s open to all races and ages,” said trainer Adam Barboza. “However, as trainers, we are particular of who we train. It’s hard work and takes dedication; most beginners don’t last.”
Barboza said that the hard work relieves stress, enhances health, teaches self-control, and introduces discipline.