In Chicago’s Portage Park, boxing is more than a sport. It’s a lifeline, a classroom, and a community hub, thanks to Coach Henry Marban. Henry’s path to coaching wasn’t the usual tale of golden gloves and early ring time. A former collegiate basketball player, he first stepped into boxing as a devoted father in 2017, enrolling his son at Portage Park to give him a healthy, disciplined outlet. What began as sideline support soon became a calling: Henry volunteered, learned the craft, and eventually launched a small boxing program from his own garage and basement during the post-pandemic reopening.
By mid-2022, Henry’s commitment and impact earned him a coaching position with the Chicago Park District at Portage Park. He poured himself into the role, so fully that he’s barely taken time off, growing the program from a small cohort into one of the Park District’s largest. Today, more than 150 people each week come through his doors: kids as young as eight, teens finding their stride, and adults returning to fitness or challenging themselves in new ways.
What sets Henry apart is his philosophy. While his classes teach technique, conditioning, and ring IQ, they also emphasize kindness, community service, and personal growth. Strength and conditioning are foundational to his approach, treating every participant as a whole athlete, not just a fighter. He works closely with mentors and peers across the Park District, shares ideas weekly with program leadership, and welcomes support from Chicago boxing figures who believe in Portage Park’s mission. As Henry explains, “You can’t be one foot in and one foot out. If we’re going to do this, we’re going all in.”
The program’s impact is tangible. Parents and participants regularly share life-changing stories of confidence regained, health restored, and purpose rediscovered. One young athlete journeyed from a dark, uncertain place to stepping into the ring. A 70-something “champ” credits the program with helping her reduce medications and reclaim her vitality.
A hallmark of Henry’s leadership is his work elevating girls and women in boxing. What began as a handful of dedicated young women has grown into a vibrant pipeline, supported by a welcoming culture, visible role models, and the introduction of an all-women’s class. Word-of-mouth, results in the ring, and a community-first reputation have helped unlock opportunities that many didn’t think possible in a traditionally male-dominated space.
On August 27, Portage Park hosted an all-female boxing event featuring 14 bouts, with 28 athletes from all over Chicago showcasing skill, courage, and sportsmanship. This was the second all-female show of the Chicago Park District’s 2026 citywide boxing showcase under the leadership of Boxing Director Angel Ocasio. The evening included a mix of exhibitions and competitive matches, reflecting Henry’s belief that every athlete deserves a platform to grow. Fighter of the Night honors went to 13-year-old Alany Guzman representing Portage Park. She was also selected as a Papa John’s/WBC Cares Community Champion.
Two days later, on August 29, the gym celebrated with a community pizza party, courtesy of Papa John’s, as part of the WBC Cares and Papa John’s “Patches for Pizza” Community Champions initiative. Coach Henry Marban was the first winning recipient of the Community Champions pizza party, recognizing the impact he has made through his dedication to his athletes and the Portage Park community. WBC World Champion Fres Oquendo joined the festivities, posed for photos, and shared stories from his illustrious career. The special WBC World Champion/Papa John’s belt created for the Community Champions initiative was also on hand, giving athletes and families the opportunity to pose for pictures. It was an unforgettable celebration of their collective hard work and the community they have built together.
Portage Park Boxing is thriving because it stands for more than wins. It stands for access. For inclusion. For showing up, for yourself and for your neighbors. Henry’s vision reaches beyond any single event or championship. He’s building a culture where perseverance, teamwork, and service matter as much as punch counts and hand raises. Henry’s program proves that boxing can be a catalyst for holistic growth.
Finally, Marban’s own words about the athletes he coaches perfectly exemplify why he was selected as a Papa John’s/WBC Cares Community Champion: “My main focus is for them to be champions outside of the ring. We already have enough bad in the world, let’s be the light.”
