I first heard about Paulo’s work through a friend, Marco Dias, who also trained there. He told me about the remarkable impact Paulo was having in one of Lisbon’s most troubled neighbourhoods. Boxing had been his way out of drugs, bullying, and life on the streets since childhood. What began as a refuge became a mission: to this day, his academy helps kids find their way out of the difficult and dangerous labyrinths of the former Casal Ventoso. This project ended up becoming the story of my first exhibition.

Photographed at the Ginásio de Boxe do Lisboa Futebol Clube in Alcântara, one of Lisbon’s small boxing clubs, this series captures the raw energy and quiet discipline of the space. Under coach Paulo Seco’s guidance, nationally renowned boxers such as Nuno Lagarto, Pedro Matos, and Ariana Santos share the ring with young and older fighters from all walks of life, sparring and training side by side.