Incident Overview
A significant incident has temporarily shuttered Ismael Salas’ prestigious boxing gym in Las Vegas after a vehicle crashed into it overnight, causing extensive structural damage. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the gym’s members or staff.
Trainer’s Assurance
Salas, a well-respected Cuban trainer, addressed the situation, assuring fighters and fans that operations would be reinstated soon, even if it requires moving to a different venue.
“We experienced a car crashing into our gym last night, which has led to our closure for the time being,” Salas explained. “Thankfully, everyone is safe. We’re making plans to resume business and may find a temporary space, and we’ll keep you updated on our progress. Your patience means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your words of support.”
Support from Former Champions
Yordenis Ugas, a former world champion and a long-time protégé of Salas, expressed similar sentiments, confirming that the perpetrator of the crash was under the influence and left the scene.
“We faced a tragic event at the Salas Boxing Academy last night when a driver collided with our facility. Thankfully, no fighters were harmed, and that’s what truly matters,” said Ugas.
Reflections on Resilience
Reflecting on the gym’s history, Ugas recalled that ten years ago, he started training with Salas and spent years moving between various gyms across Las Vegas.
“Over the years, I’ve watched my trainer pour his heart into building this gym and academy, developing over 20 world champions in the process. This is just another obstacle to overcome as we work to rebuild our academy once more.”
Ugas emphasized the resilience of the team and their faith in overcoming this setback, stating,
“So many years of hard work can be shattered in an instant by someone’s reckless actions. Still, we remain positive and ready to bounce back. I wish blessings upon our entire team, especially for Ismael and his assistant Yanier. Together, we will find strength and faith to recover from this situation.”
Next Steps
The Salas Boxing Academy is currently evaluating the damage inflicted by the crash. Announcements regarding potential temporary relocation will follow as Salas and his team strategize repairs and a swift return to training.
