Top 10 Boxing Gyms in New York City

New York City houses some of the most revered boxing gyms in the world. These establishments have seen the rise of numerous champions, nurtured raw talent, and kept the spirit of the sport alive. For those looking to immerse themselves in the world of boxing, whether as a budding professional or an amateur boxer, here are the TOP 10 Boxing Gyms in New York City (these gyms are all pure, boxing-focused boxing gyms). 

1. Gleason Gym

2. Mendez Boxing

Mendez Boxing Gym located, a family run business, a special place we hold dear in our hearts. It is a place where many boxers, not only learned to box but also discovered their full potential. For many, Mendez Boxing Gym became like a second home because of the camaraderie that was easily developed there.

This was all thanks to Francisco Mendez for starting this community, and who with open arms welcomed all. Francisco Mendez sadly passed away on April 21, 2020 due to complications from COVID19 at just the age of 61. Leaving behind a legacy that has truly impacted the Harlem community. He opened those doors with a lot of passion and hard work and became a mentor and father figure to many younger fighters. The gym carries on his legacy, and is a prime choice for amateur boxers who are pursuing the sport at a serious level.

3. Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Club

Daily operations at the Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Gym are overseen by licensed USA Boxing coaches. This effort was started as a part of the NYPD’s Fighting Finest Boxing Inc. It is a 501c3 Not-for-Profit Program. The initiative is created, run, and supported by committed police officers, and it also receives funding from kind citizens and corporate bodies. The main goal of NYC Cops & Kids is to provide New York City’s youngsters with a good alternative to the streets by directing their energy and potential into productive activities, encouraging a sense of community, and instilling discipline.

4. Fight factory gym

This is one of the only boxing gym in NYC that has experience teaching an eastern european style of boxingon soviet style of boxing.

The Best Boxing Coaches at Fight Factory Gym

Ismat Nyazov
Ismat Nyazov does more than just instruct boxing; he equips his students with the tools to excel in the sport. Boxing runs deep in his family, with both of his sons embracing the sport, inspired by their father’s passion.

Oleg Busygin
Oleg Busygin is a multifaceted martial artist. Apart from boxing, he’s skilled in Thai boxing and Judo. “My journey began with eight years in Judo and Sambo, followed by twelve years spanning kickboxing, karate, and boxing,” shares Busygin. He’s been passionate about boxing since the age of 10.

Niko Tsigaras
Niko Tsigaras, born in 1988 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. His training journey in the USA began at 14, and he’s been enamored with the sport ever since.

5. SouthBox by Eric Kelly

The home of several amateur and pro champions, this gym in slowly making a name for itself, not only in NYC, but in the country as a whole. Coach Eric Kelly talks about opening the gym, and his focus on boxing and boxers:

6. Trinity Boxing Club

In the 1990s, Coach Snow started instructing boxing at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. After Hurricane Sandy’s devastation compelled him to rebuild, and in 2016, he finally relocated the gym to Duane Street.

Snow firmly identifies as a gym junkie and comes from a distinguished tradition of New York City boxing fans. On his website, Snow highlights the value of a gym by sharing a personal perspective. He states, “While I have fond memories of gyms equipped with the latest gear and top-notch facilities, it’s always been the people that stood out – the dedicated staff, the supportive team, and the loyal clientele. A gym is merely a collection of equipment. It’s the community that forms around it that transforms it into a club. My aim is to offer an authentic boxing gym ambiance without the daunting aspect of actual physical harm. The process of learning boxing can be quite challenging, but the environment in which you learn it should be welcoming and comfortable.”

7. John’s Boxing Club

Coach Sergio Lebron runs this gym in the Bronx. It is known to host many smoker events from across the Borough, and train Olympic Qualifying boxers. Take a look at Coach Sergio in action:

8. Morris Park Boxing Club

Morris Park Boxing Club provides flexible month-to-month memberships for only $70, enabling users to take advantage of all the facility’s amenities without being tied down to a lengthy commitment. This membership offers unrestricted daily access to the gym. The trainer’s rate for people interested in personal training is $20 per session. An alternative is the weekly package, which costs $70 for 4 days. It’s vital to remember that the trainer’s price is additional to any daily or monthly gym fees and is paid separately.

Coach Aaron “Superman” Davis
Owner and head trainer Aaron “Superman” Davis, a former WBA champion, currently spends his time training both amateur and professional boxers.

Coach Romero “Yahyah” Johnson
Romero “YahYah” Johnson, a second owner and instructor, has 12 years of combined expertise in amateur boxing, business administration, and training.

Coach La Nena
Coach La Nena brings more than 15 years of amateur expertise to the table and is a previous two-time Golden Glove Champion.

Coach Frank
With more than 30 years of expertise, Coach Frank has a distinguished background that includes a contest with Leslie “Laventille Tiger” Stewart, a former WBA Light Heavyweight Champion.

Other prestigious coachesat the club include Coach Lou, Victor, Freddie, Brandon “Champ” Parris, and others who each offer their own special talents and experiences to train club members, from novices to professional boxers.

9. Brotherhood Boxing Club:

The devoted individuals Ray Cuadrado Sr. and Ray Cuadrado Jr. are the cornerstone of Brooklyn’s Brotherhood Boxing Gym, which is well known for its dedication to the boxing sport. The gym has earned a reputation as a prestigious institution in the boxing world because to their knowledge and devotion together.

Coach with experience Ray Cuadrado Sr.
Ray Cuadrado Sr. is the gym’s head coach and has more than 30 years of experience in the boxing world. His planned training programs, which are intended for both beginners and professionals, reflect his significant expertise. His teaching ethos places a strong emphasis on having a thorough grasp of boxing tactics and methods.

“The Scientist” Ray Cuadrado Jr.
Unbeaten professional boxer Ray Cuadrado Jr., sometimes referred to as “The Scientist” in the sport, is a member of Brotherhood. Beyond his individual successes in the ring, Ray Jr. is commended for his active participation in the gym’s day-to-day operations and desire to help members with their training. His recognizable nickname stems from his meticulous approach to boxing, which involves analysis and planning.

The father-and-son Cuadrado tandem embodies a fusion of tradition and innovation, making Brooklyn’s Brotherhood Boxing Gym a great choice for aspiring New York City boxers. Their training and mentoring methods guarantee that members receive high-quality guidance and teaching.

10. Church Street Boxing Gym

Unfortunately, Church Street Boxing has lost much of its reputation after many prominent coaches of the boxing world left the gym. While Church Street Boxing Gym offers classes that cater to a broad audience, I’ve observed that some of their coaching methods might not be ideal for beginners. It seems that certain trainers aim to showcase their advanced knowledge, which can sometimes overwhelm newcomers. Additionally, I’ve noticed that they might overlook minute details that can significantly impact a boxer’s performance.

Regarding Nicco, while he’s undoubtedly skilled compared to the average person, I question his experience at the elite competition level. I haven’t had the chance to evaluate Coach Michael or Igor’s coaching styles, but I have reservations about Coach Sidney’s approach. Sid’s training techniques might not be suitable when put up against a well-trained technician, and his frequent videos showcasing his skills against less experienced individuals don’t necessarily reflect his coaching efficacy.

In my sincere opinion, there are other gyms that might offer better training and value. Venturing outside Manhattan could also provide more affordable options with potentially higher-quality coaching. I often consider Church Street and Work Train Fight (WTF) as starting points for my novice fighters, mainly because it often results in a confidence-boosting.