For passion, for love … a life linked to boxing; Maria Elena Ayala

Born in the City of Cordoba, Argentina, on August 21, 1951, Maria Elena Ayala, never imagined that her life would be linked to a sport that she did not even know about, and even worse, that it was exclusive to men and boxing!

Being an only child and living only with her mother Maria Elena, she had to face a complicated childhood because even when there was a close relationship, the little girl discovered that being the daughter of a single mother had its vicissitudes.

Overcoming obstacles and determined not to be intimidated by anything or anyone, Maria discovered a world where she could take refuge and that over the years would teach her that fists are not only the instrument for throwing punches, but also, the element of comfort, to deal with inner strength, peace and especially the creation of family ties that you can do with all those who walk through the door of a gym with a suitcase full of illusions.

Boxing fan since she was very young, Maria did not miss a fight. “I was passionate, looking for sustenance, an extraordinary coincidence took her in the year of 1977 to meet the great world champion Carlos Monzon in a working relationship, but over time it became a great friendship with the entire Monzon family.

Maria Elena affirms that working with Monzon was what changed her life forever, as she completely got into boxing allowing to get to know stories of extraordinary people who shook her heart, because in one way or another she identified with those warriors of the ring, who, regardless of adversity, put on their gloves in search of victory inside and outside the ring.

At this point, Maria not only settled for being a spectator, she wanted to experience boxing from the perspective of a boxer, to know from the inside what they felt and why, for many of them, boxing was “their lifesaver”.

It was then that he met the professional boxer Federico Devesa, a genuine man who became her trainer, but also her close friend to share dreams… building the “Real Boxing for FD Boxing ” Gym.

For its founders, it was imperative to have a place for those young people and children who are looking for a space where they can channel their emotions. A space that will bring out the best of them both physically and personally and is that unfortunately Maria Elena met many young people who, due to lack of opportunities, got lost in violence and delinquency.

With more than 150 students, this gym has become a home, since Federico -who is the teacher and Maria Elena, the 2 main foundations of this project, have been in charge of forming a great family, since it is worth mentioning that boxing exhibitions have been held in this place. Some of them to collect food, medicine, clothing, toys in support of the most vulnerable communities in Argentina.

Maria Elena with the full support and direction of Mauricio Sulaiman, President  of the World Boxing Council, a body that through affection, admiration and respect, has conserved the essence of who was her friend and teacher, the beloved Don José Sulaimán. A man who always watched over others and who left him the teaching to help everyone.

Currently, Maria and Federico have constructed “Real Boxing for FD Boxing” the dream factory for many talented young people who seek to reach the top through their fists, but they have also shown that boxing goes beyond being a sport. It is a way of life where you grow as a person, a discipline that teaches you values ​​and that no matter how many times you fall to the canvas there will always be an opportunity to get up and start all over again.