The Most Iconic Boxing Gyms Around the World
Boxing has produced some of the most iconic and legendary athletes in the history of sports, but behind every great boxer, there's usually a legendary boxing club. These clubs have not only been the training grounds for some of the greatest boxers of all time, but they have also become part of boxing's rich history. From Miami to Brooklyn, London to Detroit, boxing clubs have helped shape the sport of boxing and inspire generations.
Moreover, many boxing clubs go beyond the sport by engaging in charity work and making a positive impact on their communities, from organizing fundraising events to providing a safe space for at-risk youth. These boxing clubs exemplify the values of compassion, unity, and social responsibility, while leaving a significant mark both inside and outside the ring.
Columbia Gym
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Notable Fighter:
Muhammad Ali
The story of how Muhammad Ali began his boxing career at Columbia Gym is the stuff of legend. The story goes that in 1954 a young Muhammed Ali (then Cassius Clay) attended an event with a friend at the Louisville Service Club. After enjoying some snacks inside, Ali left the building only to discover that his red Schwinn bicycle was stolen. He was lead to the basement of the Service Club, where Columbia Gym is located, and met the Louisville police officer, Joe Martin. After telling Martin that he wanted to “whup” the thief, Ali was told that he should learn to fight first. And so, Muhammad Ali’s remarkable boxing career began.
Muhammad Ali's impact on the sport of boxing cannot be overstated. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of boxing. In 1960, he won an Olympic gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the Rome Olympics. In 1964, he shocked the boxing world by defeating Sonny Liston and claiming the heavyweight championship. It was during this period that he announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Known for his charisma, Ali often used his platform to promote social and political causes, such as civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War. His beliefs led to controversy and a three-year suspension from boxing, during which he fought legal battles to reclaim his right to compete.
Throughout his career, Ali held the heavyweight title three times and had a record of 56 wins, 5 losses, and 37 knockouts. He had several legendary matches, including the "Fight of the Century" against Joe Frazier in 1971 and the "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman in 1974, where he used his "rope-a-dope" tactic to secure a stunning victory. He holds a world record for the most lineal world heavyweight championship wins with the most heavyweight world title recaptures, and is known as "The Greatest."
However, his impact extends beyond boxing. He became an enduring symbol of courage, resilience, and conviction. After retiring from boxing in 1981, Ali continued to be a prominent figure, advocating for humanitarian causes and working as a philanthropist.
Muhammad Ali passed away on 3rd June 2016, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest athletes and cultural icons of the 20th century. Columbia Gym is now part of Spalding University and above the entrance stands a symbol of the historical significance of the building: a replica of Ali’s red Schwinn bicycle.
5th Street Gym
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
Notable Fighters:
Muhammad Ali
Joe Frazier
Sugar Ray Leonard
The 5th Street Gym is a boxing gym in Miami Beach, Florida. It was originally opened in 1950 by brothers Chris and Angelo Dundee, and quickly became a popular training ground for professional boxers. Some of the most famous fighters who trained at the 5th Street Gym include Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and Sugar Ray Leonard. The gym was an attraction for a wide range of celebrities including Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Jackie Gleason, Malcolm X, The Beatles, Sean Connery, Frank Sinatra and Sylvester Stallone, who were absorbed into the gym’s legendary mystique.
In 1957, Angelo Dundee had his first encounter with Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, during a boxing event in Louisville. The 15-year-old boxing sensation sought out Dundee in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. Ali introduced himself as the Golden Gloves champion from Louisville and expressed his aspirations to win the Olympics. Intrigued but sceptical, Dundee initially considered him a "nut" but decided to meet him anyway because there was nothing on TV. Little did he know that this meeting would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey. The conversation that ensued lasted three-and-a-half hours, and lay the foundation for the legendary partnership between Muhammad Ali and Angelo Dundee.
In recent years, the 5th Street Gym has undergone a renovation, and it is now open to the public for both boxing and fitness training.
Catskill Boxing Club
Catskill, New York, United States
Notable fighters:
Mike Tyson
Floyd Patterson
José Torres
Kevin Rooney
Aaron Pryor
Wilfred Benitez
Edwin Rosario
Vinny Pazienza
The Catskill Boxing Club is a boxing gym located in New York. It was founded in 1970 by Cus D'Amato, a legendary boxing trainer who is best known for training Mike Tyson. The gym has also trained other notable boxers, including Floyd Patterson and José Torres.
Cus D'Amato met Mike Tyson when Tyson was just a young teenager. In the early 1980s, Tyson, who had a troubled upbringing, caught the attention of Bobby Stewart, a former boxer and juvenile detention counselor. Stewart saw potential in Tyson and introduced him to Cus D'Amato, who was known for his expertise in developing young fighters.
D'Amato immediately recognized Tyson's raw talent, impressive power, and relentless determination. Impressed by Tyson's natural abilities and driven by his desire to guide young boxers to success, D'Amato took Tyson under his wing. He became Tyson's legal guardian and trainer, mentoring him both inside and outside the ring.
Under D'Amato's guidance, Tyson flourished and eventually became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.
Renamed Cus D'Amato's Boxing Gym, Catskill Boxing Club has a special place in the hearts of boxing fans around the world.
Gleason's Gym
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Notable fighters:
Muhammad Ali
Joe Frazier
Roberto Duran
Larry Holmes
Lennox Lewis
Jake LaMotta
Gleason's Gym was founded by Peter Robert Gagliardi, who later changed his name to Bobby Gleason to appeal to the predominantly Irish boxing audience in New York. The gym opened its doors in 1937, charging a monthly due of two dollars during challenging times.
Gleason's Gym stood as the last remaining symbol of boxing's "Golden Age" in New York City after other iconic boxing venues vanished. Gleason's Gym, located in the lower Bronx, became renowned for its size and intense training atmosphere.
Legendary boxers such as Jake LaMotta, Mike Belloise, Phil Terranova, Jimmy Carter, Carlos Ortiz, and Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) trained at Gleason's Gym, solidifying its reputation for producing top-ranked contenders and champions.
In 1964, Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) faced Sonny Liston in a highly anticipated bout. Liston was the reigning heavyweight champion, considered an unstoppable force in the boxing world. On the other hand, Ali was a brash, young contender with exceptional speed and footwork but was seen as an underdog against the feared Liston. Ali, having prepared at Gleason's Gym, showcased his remarkable speed and footwork against the formidable Liston. Despite facing challenges during the fight, including temporary blindness, Ali's resilience and agility proved too much for Liston. In a surprising turn of events, Liston failed to answer the bell for the seventh round, making Ali the new heavyweight champion. This historic victory catapulted Ali's career and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
In 1974, Bobby Gleason moved the gym to Manhattan, maintaining its status as the premier fight gym in New York City. Gleason's Gym continued to host film shoots, training actors for movie roles, and remained a popular destination for boxing enthusiasts.
Gleason's Gym is a no-frills gym, but it is known for its tough training and its dedication to boxing. The gym is open to both amateur and professional boxers, and it offers a variety of training programs. Gleason's Gym is also a popular destination for tourists, and it offers tours of the gym and its history.
Kronk Gym
Westland, Michigan, United States
Notable fighters:
Thomas Hearns
Hilmer Kenty
Milton McCrory
Derrick Gainer
Evander Holyfield
Lennox Lewis
Kronk Gym is a boxing gym located in Detroit, Michigan. It was founded in 1978 by Emanuel Steward, and it quickly became a popular training ground for professional boxers. Some of the most famous fighters who trained at Kronk Gym include Thomas Hearns, Hilmer Kenty, Milton McCrory, and Derrick Gainer.
Kronk Gym was known for its aggressive style of boxing, and its fighters were often referred to as "The Kronk Terminators." The gym was also known for its distinctive gold and red shorts, which were worn by all of its fighters.
One fighter, in particular, stands out as the greatest to emerge from this renowned gym: Thomas Hearns.
Born on October 18, 1958, in Memphis, Tennessee, Hearns discovered his passion for boxing at an early age. In 1977, at the age of 18, he made his professional debut and quickly began to make a name for himself. With his tall and lanky frame, Hearns possessed a devastating right hand and incredible knockout power, earning him the nickname “Hitman.”
Under the guidance of Emanuel Steward, Hearns developed into an exceptional fighter. Steward's emphasis on technique, conditioning, and mental toughness helped mold Hearns into a true force within the sport.
Hearns' rise to prominence reached its pinnacle in the early 1980s. He became the first boxer to win titles in four weight classes, starting with the WBA Welterweight Championship in 1980. The following year, Hearns engaged in an iconic clash with "Sugar" Ray Leonard. It was a back-and-forth battle, but Hearns eventually succumbed to Leonard's flurry of punches in the 14th round, marking his first professional defeat.
Despite the loss, Hearns' career continued to flourish. In 1984, he engaged in another legendary encounter, this time against Roberto Durán. The fight, dubbed "Malice at the Palace," showcased Hearns' incredible power, as he knocked down Durán twice in the first round before stopping him in the second. This victory secured him the WBC Middleweight Championship.
Hearns' resilience and relentless pursuit of greatness propelled him to make his mark on boxing history. His bout with “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, often referred to as "The War," took place on April 15, 1985. It was a legendary middleweight championship fight that captivated boxing fans worldwide. Lasting only three rounds, the intense battle showcased the skills and determination of both fighters, with Hagler ultimately emerging victorious by way of a thrilling knockout. The fight is still considered one of the greatest in boxing history, etching its place in the annals of the sport.
Outside the ring, Hearns embodied the spirit of Kronk Gym, a place where determination and discipline bred champions. His success and the accomplishments of other fighters from Kronk Gym cemented the gym's legacy as one of the most esteemed training grounds in boxing history.
Today, Thomas "Hitman" Hearns remains an icon in the sport, recognized not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit. His legacy as one of the greatest fighters to emerge from Kronk Gym continues to inspire new generations of boxers, forever etching his name in the annals of boxing history.
Kronk Gym was a centrepiece of Detroit's culture until 2006. Now it has moved to just outside of Detroit and is now an exclusive training site for serious amateur and professional boxers only.
Mayweather Boxing Club
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Notable fighters:
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Badou Jack
Gervonta Davis
Ishe Smith
Andrew Tabiti
Kevin Newman
The Mayweather Boxing Club is a boxing gym located in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was founded in 1999 by Floyd Mayweather Sr., and it is the home of his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is one of the most successful boxers of all time.
The Mayweather family has a rich history in the world of boxing. Floyd Mayweather Sr., born on October 19, 1952, is a former professional boxer and renowned boxing trainer. He had a notable career in the 1970s and '80s, primarily competing in the welterweight division. Mayweather Sr. faced numerous skilled opponents, including Sugar Ray Leonard, winning some and losing others. After retiring from boxing, he transitioned to training and mentoring several successful fighters, most notably his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who became one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Floyd Mayweather Jr., born on February 24, 1977, is an American former professional boxer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. Mayweather Jr. had an illustrious career, dominating multiple weight classes and maintaining an undefeated record of 50 wins and 0 losses. He won numerous world titles in five different weight divisions and showcased exceptional defensive skills and ring IQ throughout his fights. However, his greatest achievement came on May 2, 2015, when Mayweather Jr. defeated Manny Pacquiao in a highly anticipated bout, solidifying his legacy as one of the all-time boxing greats. It is estimated that the fight amassed approximately 4.6 million pay-per-view buys, making it the highest-selling pay-per-view event in boxing history.
Roger Mayweather, born on April 24, 1961, was an American professional boxer and a notable figure in the sport. He competed in the 1980s and '90s, primarily in the super featherweight and light welterweight divisions. Roger Mayweather held multiple world titles during his career, showcasing his impressive boxing skills and knockout power. Known for his aggressive style and devastating right hand, he faced formidable opponents such as Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. After retiring from boxing, Roger transitioned to coaching and became a renowned trainer, playing a pivotal role in the success of his nephew, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and several other fighters. His contributions to the sport as both a boxer and a trainer have left a lasting impact on boxing history.
Jeff Mayweather, born on July 4, 1964, is an American former professional boxer and current boxing trainer. He competed in the 1980s and '90s as a super featherweight and lightweight fighter. While he didn't achieve the same level of fame as his brother, Floyd Mayweather Sr., or his nephew, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Jeff had a respectable boxing career, winning several bouts and gaining valuable experience in the ring. Following his retirement from boxing, Jeff Mayweather transitioned to coaching and training, establishing himself as a highly regarded trainer in the sport. He has worked with numerous fighters, imparting his knowledge and skills to help develop their boxing abilities.
The Mayweather family's contributions to boxing extend beyond their achievements in the ring. Their impact can be seen in the way they transformed the business and coaching side of the sport.
The Mayweather Boxing Club is a popular destination for both amateur and professional boxers, and it is known for its tough training and its dedication to boxing. It has trained many notable boxers, including Badou Jack, Gervonta Davis, Ishe Smith, Andrew Tabiti, and Kevin Newman.
Wild Card Gym
Los Angeles, California, United States
Notable fighters:
Manny Pacquiao
Miguel Cotto
Oscar de La Hoya
Mike Tyson
Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.
James Toney
Virgil Hill
The Wild Card Gym is located in Hollywood, California and was founded in 1995 by Freddie Roach, a former professional boxer who is now a world-renowned boxing trainer. The gym has trained some of the biggest names in boxing, including Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, and Amir Khan.
Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino professional boxer and politician, has left an indelible mark on the world of boxing. Born on December 17, 1978, in the Philippines, Pacquiao's journey began in humble surroundings. From his early boxing career to becoming an eight-division world champion, his story is filled with triumphs and iconic moments.
Pacquiao first burst onto the international boxing scene in the late 1990s. His lightning-fast punches, incredible speed, and relentless aggression captivated fans around the globe. However, it was his partnership with legendary trainer Freddie Roach that would elevate his career to new heights.
Roach, a renowned boxing trainer, took Pacquiao under his wing in 2001. The pair formed a formidable alliance that would last for over a decade. Roach's training methods, strategic guidance, and ability to harness Pacquiao's immense talent propelled him to become one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
During their collaboration, Pacquiao trained extensively at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, which was owned by Roach. The gym became Pacquiao's second home, serving as the backdrop for countless training camps and the birthplace of his remarkable victories. The Wild Card Gym became synonymous with Pacquiao's relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft.
Under Roach's guidance, Pacquiao achieved unprecedented success. He won world titles in eight weight divisions, a world record, defeating boxing legends such as Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, and many others. Pacquiao's explosive performances in the ring and his infectious personality outside of it made him a global superstar and an inspiration to millions.
Beyond his boxing accomplishments, Pacquiao ventured into politics, serving as a congressman and later a senator in the Philippines. Despite his foray into politics, he continued to pursue his boxing career, defying age and expectations. Pacquiao's journey serves as a testament to his resilience, determination, and ability to overcome adversity.
While the specifics of Manny Pacquiao's story continue to unfold, his legacy as one of boxing's all-time greats is firmly established. His partnership with Freddie Roach and their time at the Wild Card Gym will forever be remembered as pivotal chapters in boxing history.
A testament to Freddie Roach's dedication to boxing and his ability to train champions, the Wild Card Boxing Club is a haven for both world class fighters and the new up-and-comers. The club is open to anyone wanting to train and is a popular destination for both amateur and professional boxers. It is known for its tough training as well as its friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Julian Magdaleno Gym
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Notable fighters:
Canelo Alvarez
Rigoberto Alvarez
Jaime Munguia
The Julian Magdaleno Gym is a small, family-run gym in Guadalajara, Mexico. The gym is owned and operated by Julian Magdaleno, a former professional boxer who is also the uncle of Saul Alvarez.
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez is a Mexican professional boxer who has established himself as one of the sport's biggest stars. Born on July 18, 1990, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Alvarez began his boxing journey at eight years old, inspired by his older brothers who were also boxers.
Canelo's professional boxing career started in October 2005 when he was just 15 years old. He quickly gained attention for his impressive skills and aggressive style in the ring. Over the next few years, Alvarez built an impressive record, facing tough opponents and demonstrating his exceptional talent.
In 2010, Alvarez captured his first major title, winning the vacant WBC (World Boxing Council) Silver Light Middleweight title. He continued to dominate his opponents and gain recognition as one of the rising stars in the boxing world.
One of Alvarez's defining moments came in September 2013 when he faced the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a highly anticipated bout. Although he lost a majority decision to Mayweather, the fight showcased his ability to compete at the highest level and solidified his reputation as a top-tier boxer.
Over the years, Alvarez moved up in weight divisions, capturing world championships in four weight classes from light middleweight to light heavyweight, including unified titles in three of those weight classes and lineal titles in two. Alvarez is the first and only boxer in history to become undisputed champion at super middleweight, having held the WBA (Super), WBC and Ring magazine titles since 2020, and the IBF and WBO titles since 2021.
Canelo Alvarez's popularity and success continued to grow, particularly due to his charismatic personality and fan-friendly fighting style. His remarkable record includes victories over notable opponents such as Miguel Cotto, Gennady Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, Sergey Kovalev, and Billy Joe Saunders.
In recent years, Alvarez has solidified his status as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. Beyond his in-ring achievements, Alvarez has also become an influential figure outside of boxing. He has engaged in philanthropic endeavors, including supporting children's charities in Mexico and advocating for social causes.
The Julian Magdaleno Gym has produced a number of successful boxers, including Canelo Alvarez, his brother Rigoberto, and his cousin Jaime. The gym is also home to a number of other talented young boxers, who are all under the tutelage of Julian Magdaleno.
Repton Boxing Club
London, England, United Kingdom
Notable fighters:
John H Stracey
Maurice Hope
Micky Carter
Billy Taylor
Dave Odwell
Graham Moughton
Gary Barker
Sylvester Mitte
Audley Harrison
Tony Cesay
Repton Boxing Club is a boxing club in Bethnal Green, East London. Known as Britain’s oldest boxing gym, it grew out of Repton Boys Club, established in 1884 by Repton Public School as a way of giving support to the poorest communities.
Repton is a gym for seriously competitive boxing and not for the type of boxing classes provided by leisure centres. It has produced over 500 champions, including great professional boxers such as John H. Stracey, Maurice Hope, as well as Olympians, such as Micky Carter, Billy Taylor, Dave Odwell, Graham Moughton, Gary Barker, Sylvester Mitte, Audley Harrison and Tony Cesay. The standard of boxing at Repton is at international levels and is not a place for the faint hearted. Hence the Club's Motto: ‘Non Viscara…Non Gloria’ (No Guts...No Glory).
With its Retro look and feel, the club has been used as the backdrop and location for many films, such has Guy Richies ‘Lock Stock and two Burning Barrels’ as well as Music Video’s by ‘Take That’, JLS and Olly murs and Plan B.
Peacock Gym
London, England, United Kingdom
Notable fighters:
Sir Henry Cooper
Sugar Ray Leonard
Frank Bruno
Prince Naseem Hamed
Lennox Lewis
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The Peacock Gym is a charity founded in 1978 and is considered one of London’s most respected community gyms, particularly famous for its champion boxers, dating back to the likes of Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis.
The founders are brothers Tony and Martin Bowers from a family involved in boxing for over seven generations:
Sam Bowers was born in the early 1800’s and became a bare knuckle fighter until 1867.
Tim Bowers had many fights in the late 1890’s.
William and Dan Bowers followed their father’s footsteps, with Dan organizing prize fights in the City of London.
George Bowers won a National Association of Boys Clubs championship (Class B) in 1953 and became one of the most successful amateur trainers in the country, spending over 20 years coaching juniors.
Kevin, Barry and Graham Bowers boxed as youngsters. Kevin won National Schoolboy Championships in 1971 and 1972, and followed his father’s footsteps to become a trainer at Repton for 10 years.
Charles, Walter and Jackie Bowers also boxed. Charles had over 70 contests between 1946 and 1957 and became an Army Southern Command champion. Walter boxed from 1946 to 1956, had over 60 bouts and was a BOAR finalist in 1951. Jackie boxed amateur and professional between 1946 and 1960. He won five West Ham schoolboy championships, two Essex County championships and, representing Pretoria School, won a National Schoolboy championship (Junior Class A for boys aged 13-14 years at 5 st 4 lbs) at Wembley in 1952.
Tony and Martin were sons of Walter. With the long family involvement in boxing, they followed in their tradition, yet focused on the social troubles of the deprived area.
In 1973, Tony and Martin proposed a project, “The Rumpus Room”, to their local Councillor to help keep youngsters from Barnwood Court occupied and away from vandalism and street crime. With growing membership, the room soon became too small so they set up a small gym at Drew Road School Youth Club. Again an increase in membership meant the room was too small to meet demand. By 1981 the gym had outgrown itself.
Jackie Bowers, an uncle of Tony and Martin, took over the tenancy of the Railway Tavern, at Silvertown, and allowed his nephews to run it as a gym. The gym remained there until 1986 when it returned to Drew Road School until 1989. By this time Tony and Martin were the tenants of three Canning Town pubs, the Pits Head, Flying Sand, and the Peacock at Freemasons Road. As the Peacock was a troubled pub, Tony and Martin arranged with the brewery to run it as a gym.
In 1992 the brewery sold the Peacock, but the new owner retained Tony and Martin because there were no immediate plans to reopen it for business. Realising that they would eventually lose the pub, Tony and Martin decided to approach the Charity Commission for help. New premises were eventually found at Caxton Street North, and the lease was signed in 1993. After a 12 month probationary period, the Peacock was granted full charity status, and following a period of intense planning and development, the new gym was opened.
The gym has attracted many top boxers:
The Klitschko brothers both worked out there during the early part of their careers.
Top British fighters including Lennox Lewis, Chris Eubank, Naseem Hamed, Danny Williams, Steve Collins, Ricky Hatton, Paul Lloyd and Amir Khan, have sparred in Peacock rings.
Johnny Tapia, John Ruiz, Marco Antonio Barrera, Mike McCallum, Eddie Smullders, Jeff Fenech, Brian Mitchell, Gerald McClennan and Zelco Mavrovic have also sparred in Peacock rings.
Some of the world’s top trainers including Angelo Dundee, Eddie Futch, Emmanuel Steward and Freddie Roach have also used it from time to time.
Notably, Floyd Mayweather used the gym for an open workout in 2009. Hundreds crammed inside whilst an estimated further 2000 filled the street outside bringing traffic to a standstill.
From humble beginnings at the Rumpus Room, Tony and Martin Bowers are widely respected in their community and now operate what is arguably one of the best boxing clubs in the UK.
Islington Boxing Club
London, England, United Kingdom
Notable fighters:
Darren Barker
Bradley Skeete
Mitchell Smith
Charlie Edwards
Ben Jones
John Ryder
Tony Conquest
Islington Boxing Club was first founded as ‘Kings Cross Amateur Boxing Club’ in 1974. The club was based in the community hall of York Way Court, close to Kings Cross Station. The founding members included:
Reg Topper, trainer and fundraiser.
Bill McCourt, Honorary Secretary.
Jim Parodi, club treasurer.
They were backed by a group of friends all intent on getting the club established and ridding the area of vandalism. Sadly, within 6 months, Reg Topper passed away, and Bill McCourt moved on in his police career. Ron Hagland then took the roles of honorary secretary and fund-raiser.
Within a few years the club required expansion. It eventually moved to the Michael Sobell Sports Centre in 1976, and was then re-named ‘Islington Boys’ Club’, though the search was still on for their own premises. In 1981, the Mayor of Islington suggested a site on Elthorne Park, Hazellville Road, the offices of the Bovis Construction Company.
Frankie Vaughan, then vice-president of the National Association of Boys’ Clubs (NABC), formally opened the club’s new home in 1984. The club was converted and decorated internally in the Arsenal football club colours of red and white, and furnished with a comprehensive array of equipment to make it a truly traditional boxing gym.
Ron Hagland ran the club for many years with friends until he retired in 2000. In 2016, he resigned as the Honorary Secretary due to ill health and the role was passed onto his son, Lenny. Ron was named as Honorary Life Vice President and was still involved with the club until his passing in 2018.
Islington Boxing Club is one of the most popular clubs in the UK and has won numerous awards for its work in the community, including the Community Club of the Year award from England Boxing. It has produced a number of successful boxers, such as Darren Barker, Bradley Skeete, and Mitchell Smith.
As a registered charity, the club relies on donations and support from the community to continue its work. With a strong community, the Islington Boxing Club is dedicated to helping young people achieve their full potential both in and out of the ring.
