Danny Trejo Shares Stories of Becoming San Quentin Prison Boxing Champion

In a recent episode of Steve-O's podcast, actor Danny Trejo delved into his past as the boxing champion of San Quentin Prison.

Trejo discussed the training methods, opponents, and even how outsiders would come in for fights.

Danny Trejo's life is one filled with countless experiences.

During an appearance on BroBible's ‘Endless Hustle' podcast, he recounted how being “scared straight” by the gas chamber motivated him to turn his life around and avoid prison.

Before his acting career took off, Trejo served time in prison.

He revealed that his involvement in the drug trade began at the young age of 7, and he had his first arrest at just 10 years old.

Throughout the 1960s, he spent a significant portion of his life behind bars in California, and it was during this time that he crossed paths with infamous criminal Charles Manson at the LA County Jail.

In 1966, Danny Trejo arrived at San Quentin Prison, a notorious correctional facility situated on San Francisco Bay.

It wasn't until 1969 that he was released.

However, during his stint at San Quentin, he became the champion in both the Lightweight and Welterweight divisions of the prison's boxing scene.

During his appearance on Steve-O's podcast, Trejo provided insight into the world of prison boxing at the time.

Inmates were allowed to work out with weights, and external individuals from the military were brought in for matches.

It was an entirely different environment compared to the modern portrayal of prisons.

One intriguing aspect that was discussed was the rise of gangs within the American prison system.

Trejo attributed this phenomenon to the period when he was about to be freed from prison.

According to him, the Mexican Mafia emerged in California prisons around 1969, gaining significant power by 1972.

Trejo emphasized that the Mexican Mafia is a formidable force within the prison system, further solidifying his determination to avoid landing back behind bars.

Trejo also recounted a harrowing incident during his time in prison.

He recalled instigating a riot and being accused of throwing a rock at a lieutenant's head, an offense that could have led to the gas chamber.

However, Trejo managed to turn his life around and has remained sober for an impressive 53 years.

For those interested in hearing the full story on the Endless Hustle podcast, the episode is available through the provided link.