Three generations of hard work, talent, and grit of a family of legendary Filipino fighters are the inspiration behind Verano Boxing Club (VBC).
Starting with their grandfather, a skilled Judo and Arnis (a traditional Filipino form of martial arts) fighter, and their father, who holds a black belt in Karate, the next generation of Veranos are now ready to bring their unique and highly effective style of boxing to Hong Kong.
Jake “Shark” Verano, head coach at VBC, speaks of the rigorous training he underwent from a young age: at only 6 years old, his father would wake him at 6 o’clock in the morning and make him practice with a punching bag, all before breakfast or school.
Back then, they didn’t have the luxury of hand wraps or boxing gloves, so Jake did all his training with his bare hands. Despite this often resulting in bloodied and bruised fists, Jake credits the regime with helping make his punches harder, and his fists stronger. He would train at least twice a day, several times a week.
Elite athletes in the Philippines face many hurdles; government and private sector facilities are limited, funding is scarce, and professional or experienced coaches are hard to come by.
Many budding fighters are forced to make do with what they have: making barbells using water jugs or concrete, building punching bags from denim jeans, or sacks filled with sand or rice hulls. However, such challenges build strength of character, producing strong, gritty, well-grounded boxers who are true to their roots.
For Jake, boxing also offered a path to escaping poverty in the Philippines. Born with innate talent, he and his siblings – Jon Rae, Jared, and Marnelle – all pursued a career in boxing, going on to hold multiple championship titles between them, and helping their families live a better life in the process. “Kahit mahirap ang daan, kahit minsan nawawalan ako ng inspirasyong magtraining, tuloy lang. Laban lang,” (Even when the road is difficult, even when sometimes I lose the inspiration to train, just keep going. Keep fighting), Jake shares.
Kahit mahirap ang daan, kahit minsan nawawalan ako ng inspirasyong magtraining, tuloy lang. Laban lang
- Jake Verano, VBC co-founder & head coach
After retiring from professional boxing, Jake switched his focus to coaching, bringing over 22 years of knowledge and experience with him to VBC. His training style is strength and focus: “Mag-uumpisa tayo sa basics – footwork, strength – pagkatapos yung pagmaster ng mga skills ng boxing,” (We will start with the basics – footwork, strength – then we continue on the mastery of boxing skills), he says with a confident smile.
“Hong Kong is still young in terms of boxing,” he continues, “there are a lot of talented boxers here.” Alongside the talented team at VBC, Jake’s aim is to help these budding fighters realise their full potential. His brother, Jon Rae, is also on the coaching team; Jon Rae has won a number of Super Bantamweight national fights in the Philippines, with a total of 40 professional BoxRec fights under his belt (BoxRec is a website database holding updated records of professional and amateur boxers).
Local star Raymond Poon, WBC Asia Intercontinental Light Flyweight Champion, and WBC & ABF Asian Boxing Council Continental Light Flyweight Champion, also helps with coaching the next generation of Hong Kong fighters at VBC. “Jake’s training style was a welcome change from the previous styles I was taught,” shares Raymond, “I have learnt a lot and I look forward to continuing my journey with Jake.”
Although boxing is a combat sport, it’s a great form of exercise, even if you don’t plan on stepping into the ring yourself. The variety in training makes every session interesting and engaging; boxing exercises include movement drills to evade punches, as well as punching drills on equipment like speed bags, focus mitts, and heavy bags (VBC has the only running bag on a moving track in Hong Kong, custom-made in the Philippines for their gym). In addition, boxing workout programs involve conditioning exercises, such as jumping rope, cardio, and weights.
VBC offers a range of group classes and personal training to suit every level, including a comprehensive daily training schedule and one-on-one sessions, tailored to the needs and abilities of the individual. The bright, spacious gym has a diverse array of equipment to train with, including an international standard 22ft boxing ring, set as the centrepiece in their impressive, open plan space. Standing in the middle of the ring immediately lends a feeling of exhilaration and anticipation.
Training for the sport is not just a means to improve physical fitness, but also a great way to challenge your mind, and overcome your fears. Jake recalls how his father would take him to the Sunday markets in Valencia City, Bukidnon, “Hahanap sya ng mga makakasparring ko, minsan mga batang mas malalaki pa sa akin. Sa umpisa ayoko pa, pero alam ko na para din ito sa ikakabuti ng aking pagboboxing,” (He looked for children I could spar with, sometimes they were even bigger than me. I was hesitant in the beginning, but I knew it was to make me better at boxing).
Having the gym was the Verano family dream, and the hard life they lived in the Philippines shaped them. Although the training Jake was given when he was young was tough, he is grateful for it. Now it’s his turn to share his knowledge and fighting spirit with the stars of the future.
Jake Verano
Super Bantamweight Champion (Philippines Games and Amusement Board) 2007
Coach to the champions, including multi-title holder Rex “The Wonder Kid” Tso,
Fredirex Rodriguez, Crison Omayao, Marnelle Verano Panes and Raymond Poon
Marnelle Verano Panes
WIBA Super Flyweight World Champion 2015
Jon Rae Verano
Super Bantamweight national contender in Mindanao, 40 professional bouts
Raymond Poon
WBC Youth Intercontinental Light Flyweight Champion 2018
WBC Asia Intercontinental Light Flyweight Champion 2018
WBC & ABF Asian Boxing Council Continental Light Flyweight Champion 2018
Blogs by
9dde49c3be6bac6166d59fb7abf39532)
