Boxing

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Inspiring our youth to stay focused and out of the streets.

The Kids know our names and we know theirs
- Deputy Chief Mark Salazar

Success Story

Dear Fresno PAL, My name is Efren Lopez.  I was born and raised in a neighborhood in Southwest Fresno that had many challenges.  When I was 10 years old, my father took me to my first boxing workout with Fresno PAL and I fell in love with the sport.  Fresno PAL offered the structure, safety, equipment, and the opportunity to learn the sport within our community.  The success I experienced through my years participating in Fresno PAL motivated me to continue boxing until I was 23 years old.  In my boxing career, I fought over 150+ amateur fights, 12 national titles, received international experience, and was also blessed with the opportunity to compete in the 2016 USA Olympic Trials placing bronze.  I turned professional at the age of 19 and won all three of my professional fights.  Fresno PAL provided the opportunity to be mentored by many police officers through boxing which influenced my life in positive ways that I did not realize until I was older.  This positive interaction and influence not only helped me believe in myself through boxing, but also taught me many life lessons and provided important guidance.  These experiences motivated my decision to change my career from boxing to pursue a career in law enforcement.  In October 2019, I was sworn in as a Police Officer for the Fresno Police Department.  Now, I am here giving back to the community that gave me so much.  It was all because of Fresno PAL.  Thank you.