A Guide to Mexico City’s Boxing Gyms and Cultural Hotspots
A Guide to Mexico City’s Boxing Gyms and Cultural Hotspots
David Hanes-Gonzalez is a first-generation Mexican American artist who specialises in lifestyle and documentary photography.
Using his lens to explore his own cultural identity and get closer to his roots, Hanes-Gonzalez most recently exhibited his series No Te Dejes. Created across two years in collaboration with World Boxing Council and the Mexican boxing brand Cleto Reyes, No Te Dejes is a series of black-and-white images that capture the intimate details of boxers and this shared sense of community formed within the city's gyms. Hanes-Gonzalez was selected by El Centro de la Imagen for their 2023 PICS Emerging Artists Class and has been selected for Mexico’s official 2025–2026 Cultural Art Catalogue.
Having spent two years documenting boxers, Hanes-Gonzalez is all too familiar with Mexico City's training venues and where people go to eat after their sessions. Below is a guide featuring the city's best spots for training, alongside a selection of photography labs, record stores and eateries.
In this Guide
Los Recios de La Merced
Santa Escuela 25415100 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico
“Boxers from all across the city and state flock here every Saturday morning. Better known as La Casa de Sparring. Ask for Coach Chicano and you’ll be in good hands. Getting here is an equally thrilling experience. You must travel through 10-15 minutes of tianguis, passing hundreds of people, carnicerias, fruit and vegetables vendors, and eventually walk up a flight of stairs of a large warehouse.”
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Tony Vega
Pórticos Del Mar Condominio Camarón II22785 Ensenada, BCNMexico
+52 646 127 2664
“Arguably the most scenic place to train in the city. Coach Tony Vega holds private and group classes early in the morning and every evening Monday to Saturday. A great place to train outdoors with a view.”
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Pancho Rosales
Xochicalco 41803020 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico
+52 56 3538 8203
“A historic gym located in the Transito neighbourhood. If you are an amateur boxer fighting in Mexico City this place is a rite of passage.”
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Deportivo Maracana
Caridad 106200 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico
“Tucked in the middle of Tepito is another historic gym and home to many champion boxers. It’s open throughout the day with access to a soccer field as well. Come in early morning or around 4pm to train with some of them.”
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Centro de La Imagen
06000 Cuauhtemoc, CMXMexico
+52 55 4155 0850
“The centre for photography in all of Mexico. I'm very thankful that this institution exists. They have rotating exhibits featuring work from Mexican and Latin American artists, and frequently host workshops, portfolio reviews and other activities for artists of all ranges.”
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Dichroic Lab
Manuel María Contreras 6606470 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico
+52 55 2623 8004
“Looking to surround yourself with fellow photographers, develop and buy film, and work on your creative projects all from a rooftop? At Dichroic Lab you can do all that. My go-to place for my film developing needs and nerding out on all things photography.”
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Hule
Avenida Michoacán 7506100 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico
+52 55 2183 5210
“Come for the coffee, stay for the music. Half coffee shop, half record store where the baristas DJ vinyl. A great space to edit photos or catch up with a friend. The music is so good that using headphones is almost frowned upon. At night they become a cocktail joint with rotating DJs. A must visit.”
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Casa Franca
Merida 10906700 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico
+52 55 5208 2265
“My perfect night out consists of live music. Former apartment-turned-jazz-club featuring music from local and international musicians. An intimate space, perfect for a date night or gathering with a group of friends. Make a reservation two days in advance so you can get a seat in the main room.”
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Taqueria el Gran Abanico
Gutiérrez Nájera s/n06820 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico
“A good indicator of a classic taqueria is one that doesn’t have Instagram or accepts cards. This is my favourite in all of the city. If you need a reason why, read the 40,000 reviews on Google Maps or check out the line on any given Saturday or Sunday morning. Order the carnitas, you won’t be disappointed.”
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La Nuclear
Calle Querétaro 9606700 Ciudad de México, CMXMexico
“A small pulqueria and cantina located in Roma. A place I like to take visitors. Come here during the day or late night with a group of friends. Order a round of mezcal shots and pitcher of coconut pulque while listening to Mexican classics like Luis Miguel, Juan Gabriel and Los Angeles Azules.”
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