The models of the “Wrath” – real-life boxers Juan Rivera and Frank Galarza, along with model/actress/occasional boxer Gia Skova, talk about getting angry and getting even.

 

JUAN RIVERA

Spirit & Flesh: You came up with the idea and scenario for the “Wrath” story. What inspired you?

Juan Rivera: Movies like “Million Dollar Baby” and “Fight Club”, but mostly my own experience in boxing: seeing people resolve anger and unhappiness in fair fights.

 S&F: How did you become a boxer?

JR: I grew up in a difficult neighborhood. I fought on the streets. These were the means of survival and getting around. People would say, “Boy, you are good! You should box.” Finally, when a friend brought me to the boxing gym, I instantly realized that I could learn to fight with dignity and direct my energy towards a better life. I was a natural. I won almost all of my fifty-plus amateur and eight professional fights including the golden gloves.

S&F: How does it feel to win?

JR: To win over a trained boxer is elating. You deeply respect your opponent.

S&F: What makes you so passionate?

JR: When I stopped boxing professionally, I felt I could do more to help people and decided to coach. I saw the kids working and sweating, picked up pads and have trained ever since. I also train non-boxers. I help people become more confident, get in shape, and feel happier.

S&F: What was your favorite part of the shoot?

JR: The logistics, the techniques, the magic of collaboration, the repetitive action in each set-up, so it can be made into one perfect shot! Photographer Richard Corman is a master. He knows how to inspire his team.

S&F: Why did you choose Frank Galarza?

JR: He’s an active pro boxer. I’ve known him since he was a teen from a gym in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. I trained him and we’ve been friends ever since. Frank is very charismatic and respectful but has the tough-guy persona.

S&F: Describe your collaboration with Gia Skova.

JR: She is very athletic and impressed me with her abilities as an actress: She transformed from a charming, gentle lady into a hard-core boxer with an agenda.

S&F: Do you believe anger is a sin?

JR: No, it is an emotion, like happiness.

S&F: Is there a place for anger in the ring?

JR: There’s no anger in boxing. Boxing is like a chess game. It requires concentration, meditation, strategy, and planning.

S&F: What do you consider a sin?

JR: Racism!

 

FRANK GALARZA

Spirit & Flesh: What inspired you to participate in this shoot?

Frank Galarza: Boxing is aggressive. This concept presented it in a way that gets to its root, merging boxing with anger.

S&F: Why did you become a boxer?

FG: My father was a boxer and I was inspired by his love for the sport. It drew my curiosity. I am currently undefeated.

S&F: Juan Rivera is your coach. How would you describe collaborating with him as a co-star?

FG: The ring is our natural environment, so outside of the cameras it wasn’t much different from training. We are friends – that helped.

S&F: Describe your collaboration with Gia Skova.

FG: Watching her move so fluidly made me comfortable. She’s a natural; she has innate fighting skills and could probably teach me a thing or two.

S&F: Are you angry when boxing?

FG: Once I step into the ring, it is strictly business. Aggression is needed, but there’s no room for sensitivity in the ring.

S&F: What did you learn from working on “Wrath”?

FG: A team is needed to create the magic; although the setting [the ring] was familiar, I had to be conscious of the camera and of my poses. I have a new appreciation for the art.

GIA SKOVA

Spirit & Flash: What is your background?

Gia Skova: I am a movie actress. I was discovered in School Theater in Russia. I have been very lucky for being noticed by Moscow modeling agencies and landing interesting roles.

S&F: How was it to collaborate with photographer Richard Corman?

GS: I felt fortunate. He did everything to ensure that while the subject matter was aggressive, I remained feminine and stylish.

S&F: What did you learn?

GS: Juan trained me beforehand so I was in good shape. I was ecstatic when I found out that it was going to be shot at Gleason’s Gym, where all the great boxers train! Working with professionals inspired my best acting.

S&F: How would you advise a young aspiring actress?

GS: Strive to achieve your goals without compromise.