Boxing in Mexico is more than just a sport - it also represents the country's collective sense of pride. Although the United States remains as the worldwide capital of the sport, Mexican boxers have cemented themselves as a worthy adversary in the global competition. From its humble beginnings in 1920's around the squalid Gulf Area, 'the poor man's sport' has created million-dollar legends like Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar Dela Hoya, and Canelo Alvarez.

Anyone visiting Mexico might find it worth their time to explore what made Mexican fighters formidable. Here are some of the popular locations for boxing in Mexico:

Romanza Gym. As Mexico's boxing capital, the Romanza Gym can be considered the rival equivalent of North America's legendary Gleeson's (New York) or the superstar Wild Card (Los Angeles). This gym is frequented by the famous coach Ignacio Beristain and considered the home arena of Juan Manuel Marquez - the only rival who has ever knocked out the so-called "Mexecutioner" Manny Pacquiao. Romanza is located at Resina 252, Granjas, Mexico City.

Escuela de Box REUCAM. This training hall was founded by one of the renowned female champions in the country - Ana Maria Torres. The acronym REUCAM stands for 'Reunion de Campeones' or 'Reunion of Champions' in English. Apart from standard training, this gym in Mexico City also hosts regular tournaments. Escuela de Box is located at Dr. Jose Maria Vertiz 106, Doctores.

Women Box Fitness. Every veteran began as a novice. Should one seek a gym for female beginners, Women Box Fitness is an ideal place to develop the steep learning curve. This hall creates a viable comfort zone for women, featuring its renowned one-on-one coaching. This gym is located at Patriotismo 220, San Pedro de los Pinos, Mexico City.

The Union. Anyone visiting in Mexico's Caribbean hub, Playa Del Carmen, should not miss one of its best fitness training centers. The Union is owned by a multi-disciplinary fighter named Miguel (with his pitbull Pepe), who also teaches Muay Thai, Brazilian Jujutsu and Mixed Martial Arts.

Otomi Ceremonial Center. This unique open-air training center is located at the high-altitude Temoaya municipality, 85 kilometers from Mexico City. The ancient colossal Aztec altar currently serves as a training hall for modern warriors like Manny Pacquiao's old nemesis, Erik Morales.