El Paso gyms forced to find new ways to train fighters

EL PASO, Texas -- The Wolves Den Gym in Central El Paso has had world class fighters walk through their doors.

National stars like Roy Jones Jr., women's world champion Jennifer Han and many, many more have trained at the Den.

Wolves Den Gym manager and fight trainer Jerry Sano, who was once a sparring partner with Nate Diaz, is dying to get the gym open again: "I can't wait to get the gym running again, seeing our members back in action."

There will be challenges though with social distancing guidelines that must be followed.

"There will be no more sparing as far as affecting our training and our fighters. There's no way we can keep six feet from each other.  Because we have to make contact. Its a full-contact sport," explained Sano.

The manager has been keeping the members of the gym in a routine even while away.

"We have provided our members with six written work outs that we sent them, that we emailed them and we also provided 26 YouTube videos. Everything we are offering at the gym, we are offering online virtually," said Sano.

Wolves Den owner Mark Sandy is following all guidelines given to him by the state of Texas.  Besides cleaning from top to bottom constantly, they have installed a new feature in their heating and air conditioning system.

"What we did was obtain UV lighting which is used in hospitals. What it does is clean 98 to 99% of all the bacteria, germs and mold within the system. So the air you breathe that's constantly being pumped through our gym is sanitized," Sandy indicated.

He said he is looking forward to finally seeing his alphas back in their den.

"We have outstanding people here and that's why this place has really been feeling sad.  I can't wait to see them, we truly have missed them," Sandy said.