The stunning arrest of Antonio Tejado last August for alleged involvement in a violent home invasion against his aunt, María del Monte, and her husband, journalist Inmaculada Casal, sent shockwaves through those close to the singer and even among a younger generation in the family. The incident, locally nicknamed the “Russian case,” drew attention to a boxing gym in Seville where part of the narrative unfolds and highlighted how a single facility can become a connective thread in a city’s social fabric.
Early Friday morning, civil guards swept through a well-known boxing gym that commands broad respect within the sport’s community. The proprietor, identified as a Russian national, is recognized for mentoring local youths and for training boxers from diverse backgrounds. The gym has transformed a once modest boxing district in Seville’s core into a compact international hub, welcoming students from the Philippines, Colombia, Ukraine, Georgia, and beyond. The operation underscored the gym’s role as more than a sports venue, but a space where cultures intersect and personal stories converge. (citation: regional police report)
As the morning unfolded, staff at the gym were taken by surprise by the police presence. They were asked to gather their belongings and leave the building. Officers briefly blocked the surrounding street to pedestrians, creating a tense atmosphere while the group of trainers and athletes watched the scene with a mix of concern and curiosity. The moment underscored how a routine day can abruptly become a focal point of national attention. (citation: eyewitness accounts)
Beyond its athletic accolades at the regional, Andalusian, and national levels, the gym is celebrated for its social mission under the leadership of its owner. His background as a father and mentor informs his approach, channeling resources toward his students and steering younger members toward constructive paths. The revelation that even close relatives could be entangled in serious charges added a bitter twist to the community’s narrative, challenging assumptions about a place many had come to rely on for guidance and support. (citation: local interviews)
For years, the gym has described itself as a family. Its outreach has included campaigns to fund treatments for a rare disease affecting one of the young boxers and initiatives to help others break free from drug use. This ethos of mutual aid has defined the space, attracting a mix of neighbors and aspiring athletes who find belonging in its walls. The owner’s public emphasis on this sense of community reinforced the perception of the gym as a beacon in a sometimes tough urban landscape. (citation: community statements)
For many low-income families, the gym has covered competition fees and transportation, providing critical support to keep young athletes on track. The owner, a former boxer who spent years in Russia, has repeatedly stepped in to help families secure opportunities for their sons and daughters, especially when a risky path appeared more attractive. The sense of belonging within the gym stands out as a central pillar of its appeal, a place where discipline and camaraderie intersect with real-world opportunity. (citation: program records)
Over time, the individual known as the “Russian” became less active in ring competition after a severe injury affected his ability to train and his daily presence in the gym. A September 2022 bout in Marbella resulted in a broken jaw, and since then he has rarely trained or appeared at the facility with the same frequency as in earlier years. The shift in leadership dynamics did not erase the gym’s communal spirit; rather, it reshaped how classes were organized and how mentors connected with participants. (citation: sports archives)
After the injury, visits to the gym grew more sporadic, yet the family-like group continued to run group classes and private training sessions. The energy shifted, with a less centralized leadership style that required others to step forward and ensure continuity. The evolution spoke to the resilience of the space, proving that a community can endure upheaval while preserving its core functions. (citation: internal communications)
Antonio Tejado, a familiar face who frequently visited the gym, publicly acknowledged in a television segment that the facility helped him overcome addictions and regain his physical form. He is not alone in the spotlight at the venue; residents from the neighborhood, along with singers, dancers, and other influencers, are drawn to the gym for a sense of belonging. In this environment, boxing serves as social glue, uniting people from varied walks of life and offering them a shared purpose. (citation: television feature)
Those close to the families connected with the gym expressed astonishment at recent developments. For many, the household had long been seen as a normal family who arrived in Spain from Russia about two decades ago with a hopeful dream: that boxing could be a positive force and that Seville might someday host an international boxing match. The tale of the gym, its people, and their aspirations stands as a reminder of how sport can intersect with personal destinies and community life, shaping identities and opportunities in equal measure. (citation: community interviews)