Andy Vences to launch ‘Stone Boxing’ in memory of Herb Stone on November 9

Former junior lightweight Andy Vences admitted he found himself in a dark place after retiring from his unanimous decision loss to Leonardo Padilla in June 2023. Now, Vences is ready to launch the next chapter of his career. 

Stone Boxing will hold its grand opening on November 9 at 385 E. Taylor St., San Jose, California, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and sparring exhibitions.

Inspired by his former manager Herb Stone – who managed fighters from Northern California, including flyweight Bruno Escalante and junior welterweight Jonathan Chicas – Vences aims to pass on the values Stone instilled in him.

“When I decided to start, something needed to be done,” Vences said. “The whole team left the gym I was at, and it clicked in my head. We needed a home where everyone could come together. That’s really what started the idea. We can make a family gym where we’d all be welcome, with nobody dictating what or how we have to do things.”

Vences, who retired with a record of 23-5-1 (12 KOs), wanted a name for the gym that honored Stone.“Back when I was an average boxer out of the Bay Area, I met him at Third Street Gym while sparring Jonathan Chicas,” Vences said. “We talked, and I got a good vibe. Later, I signed with him, and years ago, my friend [and trainer] Angel Cordon suggested we call the gym “Stone Boxing” as a tribute. My wife reminded me of the idea. Our team stands for passion, respect, and loyalty.”

To honor Herb Stone’s influence, Andy Vences and his team chose the name “Stone Boxing,” emphasizing the values Stone instilled. Vences also plans to integrate drills and exercises he’s learned from mentors, including Cordon and his strength and conditioning coach, cutman Mike Bazzel, along with track coach Remi Korchemny, who trained him under Victor Conte’s SNAC System sponsorship. Vences aims to help the next generation build explosive power and boxing fundamentals.

“I made sure to design the gym to cater to everyone,” Vences said. “One side is for classes, and the other is for fighters, so those in competition can focus without distraction. If you’re competing, you should have a more focused space to improve your skills.”

Vences shared details of the gym’s design, with equipment chosen to match his professional experience. “Everything in there is top-tier,” Vences said. “Just the heavy bags, mats, and shipping ran about $26,000, with custom bags for Stone Boxing. I also invested in a Grodex speed bag and the Ryan Garcia reflex bag, along with other equipment.”

Fortunately, Vences had the support of his fight team and family investors who believes in the vision. “We have a fight team, and all their fathers helped me build the gym,” Vences said. “They set up the mats, brackets, and ring. Their support made it all possible, so instead of spending $80,000, I probably spent around $60,000.”