DAVID
HANES-GONZALEZ

No Te Dejes (Don't Give Up) 

No Te Dejes is a three-year documentary photography and video project that explores boxing in Mexico as a powerful metaphor for identity, resilience, and cultural return. Inspired by my grandmother’s migration to the U.S. and my own journey back, the project is both a tribute and a homecoming, a way to reconnect with my roots and honor the spirit that carried my family forward.In Mexico, boxing is more than a sport; it is survival, ritual, and resistance. Woven into the soul of the nation, it reflects a legacy of pride, perseverance, and heart. Like corn, a sacred symbol of life, boxing nourishes the spirit of the people, offering a space to fight for dignity, tradition, and national pride. Through intimate access to boxing gyms and working-class neighborhoods in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, No Te Dejes documents the emotional and spiritual worlds of fighters whose battles extend far beyond the ring. These images pay homage to a proud cultural tradition and to those who carry memory, identity, and strength forward with every step, every strike, and every refusal to give up.

Since its debut in the fall of 2023, No Te Dejes has been featured in over a dozen global media publications including NPR, Huck Magazine, WePresent, + CGTV . The full list of features can be seen HERE. 

**JUST ANNOUNCED** 

The Mexican government has selected No Te Dejes to be promoted internationally as part of its cultural and sports diplomacy efforts. My work exploring Mexican boxing culture and its deep connection to national identity has been officially included in Mexico’s Cultural Art Catalog for 2025–2026. This means the series will have the opportunity to be exhibited across embassies, consulates, and public spaces around the world. Planned exhibitions in Mexico City, Chicago, Italy, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and more to be announced.