As the coach for Barney and Me Boxing Gym in McKinney, Barney Flores’ influence has created national champions and winners of Silver Gloves, which is an annual competition for amateur boxing. But his impact does not stop in the ring.
“This gym provides an outlet for kids to stay out of trouble,” Flores said. “One of my rules is that my boxers stay out of trouble because our gang is a good gang. The judge has even sent me some kids to help straighten them out.”
Flores said each time he hears a success story from one of his students, it encourages him to keep training new students. He also said he emphasizes the importance of education at the gym.
“I dropped out of high school when I was young, and it took me a while to get on the right path,” he said. “I preach to the kids not to do what I did. I push boxing here, but education is No. 1. If you’re not doing good in school, you’re not boxing.”
Flores, who said he started his coaching career with the Boys & Girls Club, leased his first building for $150 a month. His current gym, located adjacent to Old Settlers Park in east McKinney, was built for his operations in 2001 and is modeled after the Olympic training center.
