Meet Mario Salazar | Boxing Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mario Salazar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mario, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The decision to open my first boxing academy was not something that happened overnight—it was the natural progression of a lifetime spent in fitness, athletics, and entrepreneurship.
I’ve always been an entrepreneurial person. I’ve owned and operated gyms and fitness facilities since the 1980s, including being the first person to open an exclusive women’s gym in Puerto Rico back in 1980. That experience taught me early on that fitness isn’t just about physical appearance—it’s about confidence, discipline, and empowerment.
Boxing eventually became the vehicle through which I felt I could have the greatest impact. My background as a Marine Corps amateur boxer and later in Puerto Rico, combined with decades of experience in conditioning, training, and gym ownership, gave me a deep understanding of both the physical and mental demands of the sport. I didn’t just want to train fighters—I wanted to build a structured curriculum that taught fundamentals, discipline, and self-respect, especially for kids.
At the core of opening Warrior’s Pride Boxing Academy was a desire to help people. Boxing is uniquely powerful because it addresses more than just fitness. It builds mental toughness, self-esteem, focus, and resilience. It helps kids dealing with bullying, adults looking to regain confidence, and anyone who wants to learn self-defense or adopt a healthier lifestyle. Boxing encapsulates the physical, mental, and even spiritual aspects of personal growth.
There was also a very practical catalyst. My wife, who owns Body Concept, wanted to implement a boxing program at her gym but couldn’t find someone who truly understood the sport and could run it the right way. Rather than compromise on quality, I stepped in myself. That decision ultimately led to the creation of a fully developed boxing academy built on structure, fundamentals, and long-term development.
Opening my first boxing school wasn’t just about starting another business—it was about passing on knowledge, creating opportunity, and using boxing as a tool to positively change lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work sits at the intersection of boxing, education, discipline, and personal transformation. What sets me apart is that I don’t view boxing as just a sport or a workout—I see it as a tool for building stronger human beings.
Professionally, my journey has been anything but overnight. I’ve been involved in fitness and gym ownership since the 1980s, long before boxing became the centerpiece of my work. I was the first person to open an exclusive women’s gym in Puerto Rico, which taught me early on how powerful structured training can be when it’s paired with intention, confidence, and community. Over time, my background expanded through competitive boxing, including my experience as a Marine Corps amateur boxer, and decades of hands-on coaching, conditioning, and business ownership.
My time in the United States Marine Corps was a defining chapter in my life. The Marine Corps didn’t just train me physically—it forged my mindset. It taught me discipline, accountability, leadership under pressure, and the principle that has guided me through every challenge since: improvise, adapt, and overcome. Those lessons became the foundation of who I am as a man, a coach, and a business owner. When things get difficult—and they always do—I don’t panic, I adjust and move forward.
What I’m most proud of is not titles or trophies—it’s the curriculum and culture we’ve built at Warrior’s Pride Boxing Academy. I’ve worked intentionally to create a fundamentals-based system that develops fighters from the ground up. Over a thousand students have walked through our doors, and each one is treated as an individual, not a number. Whether someone comes in to compete, to gain confidence, to overcome bullying, or simply to improve their health, the approach remains the same: discipline, accountability, structure, and respect for the process.
Getting to where I am today was not easy. Like most long-term journeys, it involved setbacks, financial risk, long hours, physical wear, and moments where quitting would have been the easier option. Boxing and the Marine Corps prepared me for that reality. Both teach you that adversity is part of the process—not a reason to stop. I overcame challenges the same way I teach my fighters to—by showing up consistently, adapting when necessary, staying coachable, and never losing sight of why I started in the first place.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that shortcuts don’t exist—especially in boxing and in life. Progress requires patience. Success requires sacrifice. And credibility is earned through years of doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. I’ve also learned that true leadership means serving others—helping people become better versions of themselves, not just better athletes.
What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is simple: Warrior’s Pride Boxing Academy is not a quick-fix gym or a trend-driven business. It’s a place built on experience, integrity, and purpose. My name, my reputation, and my life’s work are tied directly to what happens inside those walls. Boxing, the Marine Corps, and faith have given me discipline, humility, and direction—and my mission is to pass that on to anyone willing to put in the work.
At the end of the day, my story is about longevity, consistency, and impact. I’m still learning, still teaching, and still evolving—but the foundation remains the same: build people first, and everything else follows.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve learned over the years that the word “friend” is often misunderstood. To me, a real friend is someone who genuinely cares about me and wants the best not only for me, but for my loved ones as well. My understanding of true friendship was shaped long ago in the Marine Corps, where the meaning of brotherhood is very clear. A true friend is someone who would put their life on the line for you, just as you would for them. Because of that, I’ve always believed it’s not about the quantity of friends you have, but the quality of the bonds you form.
If one of my brothers were visiting me in Miami for a week, I’d want them to experience the city the way I know it—not just the tourist version, but the culture and energy that make it unique. We’d start by immersing ourselves in the local vibe: Cuban coffee, great food, and live, eclectic tropical music that fills the streets and brings people together.
A visit to Calle Ocho would be a must—walking the neighborhood, enjoying authentic Cuban cuisine, listening to music, and soaking in the history and character of Little Havana. We’d spend time at the beach, because Miami’s coastline is one of its greatest gifts, a place to relax, reset, and take in the beauty of the city.
I’d also take them out to the Everglades for an airboat ride—there’s nothing like seeing that side of Florida up close. And, of course, there would be a day at the rifle range in Homestead. That’s something my Marine Corps brothers and I naturally connect over—it’s familiar, grounding, and part of the shared bond we carry with us long after the uniform comes off.
For me, the best experiences aren’t about luxury or nightlife alone—they’re about connection, culture, and shared history. If I’m showing someone around, it’s because they’re family in spirit, and I want them to leave understanding not just Miami, but the values I live by as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without question, the first and most important shoutout goes to my wife. She has been an integral part of both my personal and professional journey, and our growth would not be what it is today without her support. As a professional fitness coach and pro bodybuilder, her expertise—especially in nutrition—has been invaluable. She is the go-to person when our boxers need to cut weight safely and responsibly, ensuring their health is never compromised. Beyond that, she has been a constant sounding board and creative force, always supporting my ideas and helping make our gym a more attractive, functional, and welcoming space for our members.
I also want to give recognition to my faith. A major part of my foundation comes from my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My faith has guided my decisions, given me strength during challenges, and kept me grounded through both success and adversity. I truly believe that nothing we’ve built would be possible without His guidance and grace.
Success is never a solo journey. It is shaped by the people who stand beside you, believe in your vision, and help you push forward—and I am deeply grateful for both the personal support and spiritual foundation that have carried me through every stage of this journey.

Website: https://Www.wpba305.com

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Image Credits
Mario Salazar