HURRICANE BOXING GYM INC.
TAMPA, FLORIDA

Hurricane Boxing Gym is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 2001 by Will Velez, who saw , as it did for him and the many that contribute to the program. He utilizes his personal time and individual efforts to create a second home for local Tampa Bay youth. The organization began as a Boxing Club, but something much greater has been envisioned, something much more profound, so a team has been formed to make this vision a reality. Hurricane Boxing Gym focuses its efforts on building a "Youth Center", which will not just facilitate a physical outlet to underprivileged and troubled youth, but also enrich their mind, and change their misconceptions about life and society, which in turn would open up windows of opportunities. OUR MISSION Hurricane Boxing Gym is a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to impact and transform local youth through a boxing program that encourages integrity, discipline, respect, values, and morals. Our goal is to remind our junior fighters of their incredible value and worth to the future of their community and this country. Our facility is composed of a Boxing training area, a weight room, and a conditioning area. Our members have a variety of personal goals, some do it for fun and fitness and others to compete. We are honored with the presence of fitness enthusiasts, weekend warriors, and competitive amateur and professional boxers. We are a U.S.A. Boxing certified training center. All our trainers are also required to pass a background check through U.S. Boxing. Wilberto ‘Will’ Velez recalls growing up in the rough city of Newark, N.J. He was always hyper, yet this was before children were diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Two things helped settle Velez’s anxiety and As a youngster, Velez said he couldn’t sit still. His father, Domingo, owned a construction business in Newark and would take him to jobs and let him do small tasks. at the suggestion of a family friend. Velez said he enjoyed the one-on-one challenge. The daily routine of school, boxing gym, homework and sleep helped him stay out of trouble. said Velez, whose father died in 2005 at age 57. “I don’t smoke. I don’t drink.” Velez turned pro at 27 and retired at 33 as a middleweight, with six wins and no losses. He did not have plans to make boxing a career, but instead wanted to accomplish a goal. Today, Velez is the owner of One Call Construction, Hurricane Boxing Gym, and Hurricane Ranch.