Eli Hartman

Staff Photographer

www.elihartman.com

West Texas Knockout

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Clients: The Texas Tribune

Boxing coach Danny Chavez, left...revent the spread of the virus.

Boxing coach Danny Chavez, left, aids Estevan "Pecas (Freckles)" Rodriguez, 14, during practice at West Texas Knockout Boxing Club Aug. 4, 2020, in Odessa, Texas. The club had been previously closed for nearly four months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and Tuesday marked the first practice since Ector County underwent lockdown in late March. Trainers and athletes are required to wear face masks to abide by the boxing club's newly implemented health and safety rules to help prevent the spread of the virus. The boxing club held its first evening of practice since closing in late march due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Trainers and athletes are required to wear face masks to abide by the boxing club's newly implemented health and safety rules to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Jose Rubia, 13, jogs past West ...a week, Tuesday through Friday.

Jose Rubia, 13, jogs past West Texas Knockout Boxing Club while warming up before the start of his practice Aug. 4, 2020, in Odessa, Texas. As a precaution to avoid undue exposure to Covid-19, the club is enforcing pandemic protocols and practices are being limited to 4 days a week, Tuesday through Friday.

Naeli Garcia, 16, swings a righ...revent the spread of the virus.

Naeli Garcia, 16, swings a right hook at a punching bag during boxing practice at West Texas Knockout Boxing Club Aug. 4, 2020, in Odessa, Texas. The boxing club held its first evening of practice since the gym was forced to close due to the Covid-19 lockdown and members are being required to wear face masks and practice in smaller groups to prevent the spread of the virus.

Young boxing club members perfo...t Boxing Club in Odessa, Texas.

Young boxing club members perform sit-ups while wearing masks during their evening practice Aug. 4, 2020, at West Texas Knockout Boxing Club in Odessa, Texas.

Head coach Augie Tapia tightens...Aug. 5, 2020, in Odessa, Texas.

Head coach Augie Tapia tightens 13 year-old Jose Rubia's boxing glove just before the start of sparring practice at West Texas Knockout Boxing Club Aug. 5, 2020, in Odessa, Texas.

West Texas Knockout Boxing Club...Aug. 4, 2020, in Odessa, Texas.

West Texas Knockout Boxing Club owner Henry Hernandez, left, and boxing coach Gloria Tapia prepare wrist wraps for club boxers before the start of practice Aug. 4, 2020, in Odessa, Texas.

Fourteen year-old Estevan &...ovid-19 amongst their athletes.

Fourteen year-old Estevan "Pecas (Freckles)" Rodriguez shadowboxes in the ring during an evening practice session at West Texas Knockout Boxing Club Aug. 4, 2020, in Odessa, Texas. The gym has begun to host two separate training sessions each evening that they are open to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 amongst their athletes.

Ray Barreraz watches through a ...nnecessary spread of the virus.

Ray Barreraz watches through a doorway as his child participates in sparring practice at West Texas Knockout Boxing Club Aug. 5, 2020, in Odessa, Texas. Many parents who were once present at every practice have begun to wait in their cars or linger near open doors out of fear of Covid-19. The gym has also implemented various health and safety protocols amongst their athletes to help prevent the unnecessary spread of the virus.

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Public Project

West Texas Knockout

Copyright Eli Hartman 2024

Date of Work Aug 2020 - Aug 2020

Updated Sep 2024

Location Odessa, Texas

Topics Boxing, Covid-19, Lockdown, Pandemic, Public safety, Sports

Summary

In late March of 2020, the West Texas Knockout Boxing Club was forced to close along with many other non-essential businesses due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The following August, trainers, athletes and their parents alike all returned the gym with a new set of rules to ensure their safety beyond a typical bruise or cut.

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