Early 2022 marked the first time I stepped into Hermosa Boxing Camp and met Coach Pancho Spangenberg. I was traveling through Costa Rica with Juiseppe Cusumano, who had come to start his training camp with FARMERSTRENGTH™, where I served as his strength and conditioning coach. To complement his program, I wanted to incorporate mitt work to refine his boxing technique, speed, and cardiovascular endurance.
Discovering Hermosa Boxing Camp
While researching boxing gyms along the Pacific Coast between San Jose and Uvita, I came across Hermosa Boxing Camp. I was thrilled, initially thinking it was near Playa Hermosa in Uvita, where I lived. To my surprise, it was actually in Playa Hermosa, Jaco—turns out, Costa Rica has alot of Playa Hermosas! Since it was on my way home from San Jose, we decided to schedule our first visit.
The gym is set up at Coach Pancho’s house. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pancho has a wealth of experience and works with a talented group of fighters, including Ziggy Myrie, Justin Sotelo, Brandon Obregon, Efrain Urena, Diego Rodriguez and several others. As I entered and saw the small ring, I remembered what my good friend Ian Paterson would say about small rings: “That’s where the real work happens.” I mentioned it to Pancho, who replied with a grin, “No escape.”
Immediate Connection
From the moment we arrived, Pancho welcomed Juiseppe and me like old friends. It was a hot, humid day, and Pancho put Juiseppe through an intense warm-up followed by rounds of pad work. Juiseppe was drenched in sweat by the end. As he cooled off in Pancho’s pool, we dove into discussions about strength training, breathwork, and fighter development. The synergy between us was immediate, and I felt like I’d known Pancho in another lifetime. I was introduced to his wife, Catalina, and their daughter, Nina, whose smiles and warmth left a lasting impression on me.
Building the Team
Throughout Juiseppe’s camp, we returned to Hermosa Boxing Camp multiple times. When Jamaine Ortiz visited Costa Rica, Pancho graciously opened his doors once again. Later, I brought Vincenzo Carita into the mix, further strengthening the connection. Each visit deepened the bond, and Pancho’s hospitality made everyone feel right at home. Shortly after, I began working regularly with the Hermosa team as their strength and conditioning coach under the banner of FARMERSTRENGTH™, making the 130 km drive from San Josecito twice a week. Pancho’s generosity was unmatched—he always offered a bed and a meal, creating a welcoming environment that I deeply appreciated.
For the first 1.5 years of my three-year experience, I drove up every Monday and Wednesday, staying at Pancho’s place overnight. Ian Paterson, my close friend, often kept me company on the phone during the long commute. The drive along the Costanera highway at night was not without its risks, especially during the wet season with mudslides and wandering wildlife. Pancho insisted I stay over, aware of the dangers. But as I began picking up early morning clients back in Uvita, I grew fond of the peaceful, late-night rides home. I’d chat with Ian until I reached the mountain near Dominical, where I’d lose signal and enjoy the quiet solitude of the journey.
Dedication and Hard Work
The fighters at Hermosa Boxing Camp demonstrate an extraordinary level of commitment. Justin Sotelo, Ziggy Myrie, and Brandon Obregon went on to become national champions of Costa Rica, a testament to their hard work and the relentless training environment Pancho cultivated. I’ll never forget the night we dropped Diego Rodriguez home after a tough session. At just 13 years old, Diego had to cross a zip line over a river into the jungle night—without hesitation or complaint. It was a stark contrast to the excuses I’d heard from kids back in USA, who wouldn’t run because it was "too early" or "too cold." Moments like these reveal the true meaning of dedication.
The Evolution of Hermosa Boxing Camp
Initially, we trained with basic equipment like steel pipes and resistance bands. But as the fighters developed, so did the gym. Pancho upgraded the facilities with barbells, kettlebells, and a squat rack. The team expanded, welcoming fighters like Efrain Urena from Perez Zeledon and Kevin Guerrero from Puntarenas, who joined us for fight camps.
As the team’s skills progressed, we began making mid-week trips to San Jose for sparring with elite fighters, including David Jimenez and Julianna Rodriguez. These sessions were crucial, exposing our fighters to top-level competition and pushing them to elevate their performance. Hermosa Boxing Camp was fast becoming a hub for serious talent.
The Rise of Hermosa Boxing Promotions
A major milestone in our journey was the launch of Hermosa Boxing Promotions. The first event was held at Hotel Amapalo in Jaco in March 2024. It was a sold-out show, despite a few last-minute challenges, including a frantic search for wood to repair the ring just moments before the first fight. The success of the event was a turning point, setting the stage for even bigger shows.
The second event took place at the Marriott Resort in Herradura in October 2024. This time, the stakes were higher, and the experience was elevated to a high class casino-like atmosphere. Fighters and fans from all over enjoyed the internationally televised live event, set against the stunning backdrop of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Pancho’s vision for the future of boxing in Costa Rica is clear, and with the momentum he has built, it’s only a matter of time before Hermosa Boxing Promotions hosts premier events that draw even more international attention.
Strengthening Connections Across Borders
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at Hermosa Boxing Camp was helping to build strong connections between Coach Pancho, Hermosa, and athletes from the United States, including Champs Boxing Gym, AJ Galante, Coach Dave McDonough, Richmond Boxing Club, and Coach Ian Paterson. Despite never meeting in person, these individuals extended a hand of friendship, sending support in the form of fight posters, gloves, protective gear and more.
A special mention goes to Al Rahim from ProSe Apparel and Boxing. His unwavering support was invaluable—he didn’t just send equipment; he made the journey to San Jose to witness the professional debut of his glove brand in the Costa Rican ring. It was a testament to the deep connections forged through shared passion and mutual respect.
Professional Growth and Lessons Learned
I’ve had the privilege of working as a second in the corner for 22 professional fights during my time in Costa Rica, supporting Teams Sotelo, Myrie, and Urena. Our journey even took us to Argentina, where the fighters competed in Cordoba and at the Federación de Boxeo in Buenos Aires. The trip was an amazing experience, filled with intense bouts and a few tough losses. The invaluable lessons learned forged a stronger, more resilient team, showcasing their adaptability and grit. It marked our first camp outside of Costa Rica, setting a high standard for future international endeavors.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As I step into the next chapter of my journey with FARMERSTRENGTH™, I want to express my deepest gratitude. To Coach Pancho—thank you for the incredible opportunities. To your amazing wife, Catalina, and your wonderful daughter, Nina—thank you for always making me feel at home. To all the families and friends I met through Hermosa Boxing Camp, it was an honor to share this experience.
To the fighters I worked with—Justin, Ziggy, Efrain, Kevin, Brandon, Diego, Margarita, Rodolfo, Damon and many more—thank you for your dedication, passion, and energy. It was a privilege to train alongside such driven individuals. With faith in God, I look forward to seeing Coach Pancho, Ziggy, Efrain, and Justin in the USA soon. Believe in your dreams!
This journey has made me a better coach, but more importantly, a better man. Costa Rica will always hold a special place in my heart, and I eagerly anticipate many returns in the future.
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