Nampa to Honor Boxing Coach Rene Medina on October 17
Nampa organizers are set to hold a special fight night to celebrate the 58-year coaching career of Rene Medina.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Boxing
On October 17, 2026, the Nampa community will host a fight night to honor 86-year-old boxing coach Rene Medina. The event includes a heavyweight match between Ruben Manrajos Jr. and Ryan Bailey.
Why it matters
The event highlights the legacy of Medina, who began coaching in 1968 after turning to boxing as a teenager to steer clear of drugs, alcohol, and bullying.
Rene Medina is 86 years old and has maintained a coaching career spanning 58 years. The upcoming event features a heavyweight boxing match between Ruben Manrajos Jr. and Ryan Bailey.
The players
Rene Medina
He is an 86-year-old boxing coach in Nampa who has been training fighters since 1968.
Ruben Manrajos Jr.
He is a heavyweight boxer scheduled to compete in the main fight at the upcoming event.
Ryan Bailey
He is a heavyweight boxer participating in the featured match at the fight night.
Joe Frazier
He was a legendary professional heavyweight boxer and former world champion.
The details
Medina currently trains fighters at the Tomorrow's Champions gym in Nampa, where he emphasizes a philosophy of hard work to produce future champions. During his own professional career, Medina fought on an undercard for boxing legend Joe Frazier.
Timeline
1968: Rene Medina began his career coaching boxers.
October 17, 2026: Rene Medina will be honored at a fight night.
Season Trajectory
The recognition of Medina follows the long-standing tradition of honoring community leaders who anchor local sports institutions. This event reinforces the historical trend of local boxing gyms serving as vital community hubs in Nampa.
Residents and sports enthusiasts can attend the event on October 17, 2026, to witness the heavyweight bout between Ruben Manrajos Jr. and Ryan Bailey. The match serves as the featured athletic component of the celebration for coach Rene Medina.
The takeaway
Rene Medina's long career illustrates how consistent mentorship can provide young people with a path away from negative societal influences. Local boxing fans are encouraged to support these community efforts that preserve the sport's history.
Further reading
For more news on local matches and fighters, check out our Boxing section.
