Darren Vargas's 'Moretón' Documents Lee Espinoza's Boxing Club in Coachella

Darren Vargas has unveiled 'Moretón', a new release from Friends Editions that chronicles the Lee Espinoza Coachella Valley Boxing Club. The title, meaning 'bruise' in Spanish, draws inspiration from the passing of Vargas's grandfather, Esmael, in 2020. In the summer of 2025, Vargas encountered Espinoza, affectionately dubbed the 'godfather of boxing', through boxer Jocelyn Camarillo. This community-driven non-profit club caters to a predominantly immigrant population in a struggling region of Southern California. Vargas’s photography showcases the gym's interior, highlighting Espinoza's memorabilia-filled office and portraits of club members. The narrative delves into themes of identity, place, and forgiveness, while Vargas contemplates his grandfather's influence and his own family history. Espinoza, an immigrant from Mexico who arrived at eight, has trained renowned boxers like Oscar De La Hoya and IFBA Featherweight champion Sandra Yard. The book, featuring quotes from Vargas, is available for purchase from Friends Editions.