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Tampa Bay Times: New Clearwater gym features boxing workouts and a lot more
Thursday, July 12th, 2012
By Theodora Aggeles, Times correspondent<
In Print: Thursday, July 12, 2012
 [Photos by WILL VRAGOVIC | Times]
Leon Brooks, 29, of Clearwater hangs from his punching bag after a high-intensity punching drill during a boxing class.
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Link to original story
CLEARWATER
Step inside the door of LA Boxing and the feel isn’t what you might imagine. It’s bright and airy, a cheerful-looking gym. All of the machines and padding are painted in reds, whites and blues.
The new place on U.S. 19 offers workouts based on boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. It’s the first Pinellas location for the chain, which also operates in Orlando and Miami.
“We’ve been open three weeks, and this is the first of many locations we’re planning for the Tampa Bay area. We’re not coming in with one and run,” said Pete Guzman, partner and general manager. “LA Boxing is celebrating 20 years as a gym right now, and this is the 76th one to open.”
Besides classes, the gym has cardio equipment, free weights, strength building machines and personal trainers. Of course there’s a boxing ring and a bag cage with dozens of 150-pound punching bags.
“As society becomes more sedentary and people grow older, they have to seek out something to get into great shape,” said Guzman, 41. “The LA Boxing Workout burns between 800 and 1,000 calories, and a trainer takes you through it every time. You get muscular development, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, you learn something new and have fun.”
Proper punching and kicking techniques are taught along with basic fighting techniques, with an emphasis on mind, body and emotional well-being.
Guzman knows all three are important.
A New Yorker, he had been to Tarpon Springs several times visiting his wife’s family in her hometown. Then he lost his business and the family lost their home.
“We went through what a lot of America has been going through,” said Guzman. “About a year ago, our family down here took us in. We started from zero, but I’m ready to rock and roll. With the business model from LA Boxing and the discipline I’ve learned from martial arts, we won’t fail.”
Guzman believes LA Boxing will continue to grow. In New York, he says, he helped one martial arts business go from eight to 50 gyms.
After he was introduced to his business partner, Scott Wafer, who owns an LA Boxing gym in New York, Guzman became enamored with the business model and Wafer’s business expertise.
“I watched that business for about a year and thought, ‘This is it,’ ” said Guzman.
The gym has several different membership packages with costs ranging from $44 to $84 a month, the latter of which includes unlimited classes and full use of all of the gym’s equipment.
A gym to get in shape
Guzman is dedicated to the techniques taught at LA Boxing. The workout includes three-minute rounds with a one-minute break and incorporates music, jumping rope, boxing gloves, the heavy bag and lots of positive reinforcement.
“There is nobody in better condition than a mixed martial artist,” said Guzman. “People have the ability to do the workout of authentic boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial artists without the lumps and bruises. The sparring and contact is not necessarily a part of most people’s workout, but for those who want to take it to that level, the facility is set up for it and we will offer that too.”
Norine Troupe, the business’ assistant general manager, starting working on fitness in gyms about 14 years ago, seven of those in martial arts. Now she teaches boxing and kickboxing as a personal trainer and instructor.
“Personally, there is no good excuse (for not getting fit),” said Troupe. “Everybody has a reason: I hurt my knee, my back, World War whatever, I can’t get out of bed, I have no time, too much work, my husband this, my daughter that, I can’t sleep. Everybody has to start somewhere.”
Helping children feel self-confident will be the crux of a bullying prevention program that Guzman intends to have running within the next six weeks.
Phillip Jacobs, LA Boxing’s director of franchise development, said successful franchise owners are people who have fitness-oriented lifestyles.
“They love the fitness environment, the sweating, the testosterone, people setting and achieving goals,” he said. “It becomes a labor of love.”
One other thing: This is the first year the Olympics will feature female boxing. Jacobs believes that women everywhere will have a light bulb go on and realize they can get in shape by taking these classes.
Guzman is in Clearwater to help make that happen.
“Even though LA Boxing is a huge franchise, we are a local gym,” said Guzman. “We plan to have local charity events and want very much to be a part of this community.”
Correspondent Theodora Aggeles can be reached at cotheo@tampabay.rr.com
LA Boxing
Location: 28784 U.S. 19, at Hodusa Plaza
Information: Call (727) 265-2269 or view www.laboxing.com/Clearwater
LA Boxing® Inks Partnership Agreement with Costco
Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Select California Costco Locations Will Offer LA Boxing Membership Packages to Customers
SANTA ANA, Calif. [JULY 10, 2012] – LA Boxing®, the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) fitness franchise, announced today an exclusive agreement with wholesale retailer Costco to sell memberships in-store at select California locations, starting July 2012. Featured in the form of activation cards, the three month memberships also include two private-training sessions with LA Boxing trainers.
The initial Costco locations that will carry the memberships include: Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Lakewood, San Juan Capistrano, Signal Hill, Torrance, Yorba Linda and two locations in both Laguna Niguel and Tustin.
“Partnering with a retail giant like Costco gives us tremendous exposure and the ability to offer our memberships to a customer base that has very similar demographics to our own,” said Philip Jacobs, LA Boxing Director of Franchise Development. “Costco benefits by offering its members a unique alternative to the typical gym membership, while also identifying itself as a believer in health and wellness – it’s a win-win for both companies.”
LA Boxing focuses on fun, efficient and effective group boxing workouts and intense one-on-one personal training in a clean, welcoming and friendly environment, taught by instructors with actual fighting experience. Unlike individual workouts at most gyms, LA Boxing’s group classes are filled with a mix of all fitness levels and, although intense in nature, members are encouraged to workout at their own pace. While gaining intangible growth in self-confidence and determination, members have the ability to burn up to 1,000 calories in hour-long classes.
The bright colors, clean environment, and well-organized layout break down the conventional image of a boxing gym. Each LA Boxing is outfitted with a designated area for rows of heavy punching bags, speed bags, a boxing ring, an MMA area, and cardio and strength equipment.
“This partnership in California is part of an initial test to gauge the Costco customer response,” Jacobs said. “We hope to eventually roll this program out nationwide.”
For more information on LA Boxing or franchise opportunities, visit http://laboxing.com/franchising/ or contact Philip Jacobs at: (714) 668-0911 or philip@laboxing.com.
About LA Boxing
LA Boxing® is the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts fitness franchise with nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development. The LA Boxing Workout™—aimed at suburban men, women, and children—which burns 800-1,000 calories per hour, is taught by professionally-trained boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts fighters. For more information about LA Boxing, visit http://laboxing.com/.
ClubIndustry.com Article – LA Boxing Picks Up Franchising Steam
Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Jun 1, 2012 12:00 PM, By Pamela Kufahl, editor-in-chief
Of the boxing franchises, LA Boxing is one of the oldest and largest. Founded in 1992 as a fighters’ gym, the original LA Boxing facility eventually began attracting non-fighters—white collar professionals. One of those professionals was Anthony Geisler, president of an online gaming and software company. In 2003, Geisler bought the gym, later opening a second location before deciding to franchise the concept in 2004.
The growth was fast initially until the recession hit, says Philip Jacobs, director of franchise development. Geisler slowed growth to ensure that existing franchisees could weather the storm.
“The storm clouds seem to have passed,” Jacobs says. “Anthony made the strategic decision to start franchising again. That’s when he recruited me.”
Jacobs joined the company in March 2011 with a 20-year background in franchise development for companies such as Mailboxes Etc., Coldwell Banker and Quiznos.
Today, the Santa Ana, CA-based company has 70 locations (12 of which are company owned) and another 60 under development, according to Jacobs.
In November 2011, the company awarded a flurry of new franchises in Alabama, California, Louisiana, Maryland, Texas and Virginia. This spring, the company announced plans to open six locations in New Orleans. It also announced franchise development in its top three growth markets of Philadelphia (10 locations planned in the next two years), Seattle (six locations to open in the next 18 months) and the New York City area (30 locations in the next 24 months).
As the number of open franchises has grown, so has the company’s revenue. In 2009, LA Boxing brought in $3.4 million, growing to $3.5 million in 2010 and $3.7 million in 2011. In 2012, LA Boxing is on track to grow even further, bringing in $1 million in the first quarter, according to Jacobs.
The buzz around mixed martial arts (MMA) has fed into the company’s growth, Jacobs says, and the upcoming boxing competitions slated for the Olympics should continue to fuel that.
The company promotes its hour-long classes as a quick and non-intimidating way to get in shape.
“We believe that boxers are the most well-conditioned athletes in the world, and they did not get like that by getting punched,” Jacobs says. “They got like that by working out and dedicating to a routine. So that is what we’ve done. We took the exercising and the dedication that makes a boxer so well-conditioned and put it in a clean, friendly and welcoming environment suitable to soccer moms, dads and their kids.”
AT A GLANCE
- Company: LA Boxing, Santa Ana, CA
- Owner: Anthony Geisler
- Founded: 1992
- Franchising began: 2004
- Open locations as of May 2012: 70
- Franchises under development as of May 2012: 60
- 2011 Revenue: $3.7 million
- First quarter 2012 revenue: $1 million
- Average start-up costs: $230,000
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Royalty fee: 6% of gross monthly income
- Target demographic: Communities with 100,000 people in a five-mile radius with household incomes of $50,000 to $70,000
- Average number of members per club: 550
- Average membership dues: $70 per month for unlimited classes
- Average personal training fee: $80 per hour
- Average facility size: 4,000 to 5,000 square feet
- Type of equipment: Average of 30-40 heavy bags, regulation boxing ring and some cardio and weight equipment
LA Boxing® Knocks Out Franchise Agreement in North Jersey
Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Company Plans Call for Nearly 15 Additional Locations to Open Throughout the State
TOTOWA, N.J. – LA Boxing®, the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) fitness franchise, announced today that it signed a franchise agreement with local entrepreneur Franco Pacelli to open a new LA Boxing gym in North Jersey, which will be located at 360 Route 46 in Totowa.
Planned to open in September 2012, the new LA Boxing will be the first of nearly 15 additional locations the company plans to have open or in development throughout New Jersey within the next 18 months. Currently, there are seven locations already operating throughout the state—three in North Jersey, two in Central Jersey, and two in South Jersey.
“We’re looking to grow throughout New Jersey with franchisees like Franco who are business savvy and fitness-minded,” said Philip Jacobs, LA Boxing Director of Franchise Development, adding that there is a high demand throughout the market for alternatives to large, impersonal fitness centers. “We have found that local consumers are increasingly interested in fitness concepts like LA Boxing that offer an unconventional way to stay in shape and break from their typical routine.”
With nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in the development pipeline, expansion throughout New Jersey is part of the company’s strategic franchise expansion plan which calls for more than 220 locations to open nationwide by 2015. The gyms will be concentrated in most major U.S. cities including Chicago, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Seattle, among others.
For more information on LA Boxing or franchise opportunities, visit http://laboxing.com/franchising/ or contact Philip Jacobs at: (714) 668-0911 or philip@laboxing.com.
About LA Boxing
LA Boxing® is the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts fitness franchise with nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development. The LA Boxing Workout™—aimed at suburban men, women, and children—which burns 800-1,000 calories per hour, is taught by professionally-trained boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts fighters. For more information about LA Boxing, visit http://laboxing.com/.
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LA Boxing Baton Rouge – In the news again
Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
By ANGELA CHUSTZ-PARENT theadvocate.com
June 13, 2012
Since opening its doors in February 2010, LA Boxing Baton Rouge has grown rapidly reaching 800 members in its edgy fitness center located at 4520 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite #110. Franchise owner Gabe Miller opened the Baton Rouge location as a place for local cage fighters to train. He also wanted to reach out to a larger community of people interested in taking fitness to an entirely different level.
“You don’t have to be a cage fighter to be a part of the sport,” Miller said. “We have more women than men who participate in some of the classes we offer. We give people an opportunity to lose weight and tone through self-defense. We cater to the working class moms and dads and those who want to be competitive athletes. We also have martial arts available for the kids and summer programs for high school athletes.”
Miller has world-class instructors, who are professional athletes, teaching the LA Boxing programs. Muay Thai, Boxing, Kickboxing, Strength and Conditioning, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Mixed Martial Arts are just some of the classes that LA Boxing offers.
On Saturday, June 16, LA Boxing instructors Thomas Webb and Dustin Johnson along with several students will be competing in the USA-MMA Stacked 2 event at the Baton Rouge River Center.
“Our members get to see all aspects of the sport. They get to see the technical side of what their instructors teach them, and see their instructors get ready to compete for a cage fight, kickboxing or boxing match or even a World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition,” Miller said. “The support from the members that the coaches have during their competitions is unbelievable.”
Miller has recently expanded the South Sherwood location and has plans to open a second Baton Rouge location by the end of the year.
LA Boxing® Goes for SoCal Knock Out
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
The Unique Fitness Franchise Announces Aggressive Expansion Plans for Southern California Market
SANTA ANA, Calif. (April 20, 2012) – LA Boxing®, the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) fitness franchise, announced today aggressive growth plans for the Southern California market. With a recently opened location in Long Beach and a signed franchise agreement in Orange County, the company plans to bring upwards of 10 additional locations to the market by 2014.
“As we know from being headquartered here, this area of the country is one of the most fitness-conscious places in the world, making it an ideal location for our results-oriented boxing, kickboxing, and MMA workouts,” said Philip Jacobs, LA Boxing Director of Franchise Development, adding that there is a high demand throughout the market for alternatives to large, impersonal fitness centers.
LA Boxing focuses on fun, efficient and effective group boxing workouts and intense one-on-one personal training in a clean, welcoming and friendly environment taught by instructors with actual fighting experience. Unlike individual workouts at most gyms, LA Boxing’s group classes are filled with a mix of all fitness levels and, although intense in nature, members are encouraged to workout at their own pace.
The unique fitness franchise made its debut in Long Beach, Calif. in January 2012 when the company’s General Counsel, Shaun Grove, opened a location. Grove joined LA Boxing in the spring of 2009 as General Counsel to the burgeoning fitness concept. After working closely with the company, the former NCAA Div. I-AA football player for San Diego University decided his life-long passion for fitness would translate well into owning a gym.
“I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and just being around the gyms made me want to open an LA Boxing location,” said Grove. “Fitness has always been a passion of mine, so I was really attracted to the unique workouts that LA Boxing offers its members. When the opportunity came to open a gym in Southern California, I went for it.”
“Aside from being our General Counsel, Shaun’s knowledge and passion for fitness and exercise, coupled with his leadership skills made him the perfect person to capitalize on our Southern California growth strategy,” said Jacobs.
With nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in the development pipeline, expansion throughout California is part of the company’s strategic franchise expansion plan which calls for more than 220 locations to open nationwide by 2015. The gyms will be concentrated in most major U.S. cities including New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Seattle, among others.
For more information on LA Boxing or franchise opportunities, visit http://laboxing.com/franchising/ or contact Philip Jacobs at: (714) 668-0911 or philip@laboxing.com.
About LA Boxing
LA Boxing® is the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts fitness franchise with nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development. The LA Boxing Workout™—aimed at suburban men, women, and children—which burns 800-1,000 calories per hour, is taught by professionally-trained boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts fighters. For more information about LA Boxing, visit http://laboxing.com/.
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LA Boxing® Knocks Out First Franchise Agreement in Seattle
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Local Franchising Group to Open Washington’s First LA Boxing Gyms; Company Plans Call for a Total of Six Locations to Open Throughout the Market in the Next 18 Months
For Immediate Release:
SEATTLE (4/24/12) – LA Boxing®, the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) fitness franchise, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement with local franchising group Huntro, LLC to open three LA Boxing gyms in Seattle. The announcement stems from a larger company expansion plan, which calls for a total of six locations to open throughout the market within the next 18 months.
With a family history in franchising that spans more than 50 years, Huntro, LLC’s Managing Director Terry Wynia was looking for the right franchise opportunity that he could embark on himself.
“I had been looking into a variety of franchise concepts for years and wasn’t finding anything that was the right match,” Wynia said. “My brother is a member of the San Diego LA Boxing gym and recommended that I check it out. After seeing the location and talking with company executives, I knew LA Boxing was the right franchise fit for not only my own lifestyle and professional goals but also for Seattle consumers—there are no other gyms like it in the market. I’m excited to bring LA Boxing to Seattle.”
LA Boxing focuses on fun, efficient and effective group boxing workouts and intense one-on-one personal training in a clean, welcoming and friendly environment, taught by instructors with actual fighting experience. Unlike individual workouts at most gyms, LA Boxing’s group classes are filled with a mix of all fitness levels and, although intense in nature, members are encouraged to workout at their own pace. While gaining intangible growth in self-confidence and determination, members have the ability to burn up to 1,000 calories in hour-long classes.
The bright colors, clean environment, and well-organized layout break down the conventional image of a boxing gym. Each LA Boxing is outfitted with a designated area for rows of heavy punching bags, speed bags, a boxing ring, an MMA area, and cardio and strength equipment. LA Boxing has thoroughly researched and tested all components of its concept—location and layout, equipment mix, marketing plans, staff responsibilities, and class schedules, among others.
“We’re looking to grow throughout Seattle with franchisees like Terry and his team who are business savvy and fitness-minded,” said Philip Jacobs, LA Boxing Director of Franchise Development, adding that there is a high demand throughout the market for alternatives to large, impersonal fitness centers. “We have found that local consumers are increasingly interested in fitness concepts like LA Boxing that offer an unconventional way to stay in shape and break from their typical routine.”
With nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in the development pipeline, expansion throughout Seattle is part of the company’s strategic franchise expansion plan which calls for more than 220 locations to open nationwide by 2015. The gyms will be concentrated in most major U.S. cities including Brooklyn, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Seattle, among others.
For more information on LA Boxing or franchise opportunities, visit http://laboxing.com/franchising/ or contact Philip Jacobs at: (714) 668-0911 or philip@laboxing.com.
About LA Boxing
LA Boxing® is the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts fitness franchise with nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development. The LA Boxing Workout™—aimed at suburban men, women, and children—which burns 800-1,000 calories per hour, is taught by professionally-trained boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts fighters. For more information about LA Boxing, visit http://laboxing.com/.
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LA Boxing® Knocks Out First Franchise Agreement in New Orleans
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Local Personal Trainer to Open New Orleans’ First LA Boxing Gym; Company Plans Call for More Than 5 Additional Locations to Open Throughout the Market
For Immediate Release:
NEW ORLEANS (April 16,2012) – LA Boxing®, the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) fitness franchise, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement with local entrepreneur Scott Musso to open the first LA Boxing gym in New Orleans. Already very successful in Baton Rouge with 2 gyms and another one opening soon in Lafayette, the new LA Boxing will be the first of more than five locations the company plans to open throughout New Orleans within the next 18 months.
A college athlete and local personal trainer, Musso had always wanted to open his own gym where members could work towards their health and fitness goals in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. By pursuing his dream through LA Boxing, the 32-year-old knew he would have the opportunity to successfully fulfill this passion with a proven business model and ongoing support from the franchise.
“LA Boxing is the perfect fit for my lifestyle and professional goals,” Musso said. “As a personal trainer, I’ve been working with consumers throughout the market for the past five years and know LA Boxing is just what New Orleans needs—there’s no other gym like it in the market. I’m excited to bring the first to the area and look forward to further expanding the brand.”
LA Boxing focuses on fun, efficient and effective group boxing workouts and intense one-on-one personal training in a clean, welcoming and friendly environment, taught by instructors with actual fighting experience. Unlike individual workouts at most gyms, LA Boxing’s group classes are filled with a mix of all fitness levels and, although intense in nature, members are encouraged to workout at their own pace. While gaining intangible growth in self-confidence and determination, members have the ability to burn up to 1,000 calories in hour-long classes.
The bright colors, clean environment, and well-organized layout break down the conventional image of a boxing gym. Each LA Boxing is outfitted with a designated area for rows of heavy punching bags, speed bags, a boxing ring, an MMA area, and cardio and strength equipment. LA Boxing has thoroughly researched and tested all components of its concept—location and layout, equipment mix, marketing plans, staff responsibilities, and class schedules, among others.
“With our highly successful gym in Baton Rouge, aggressive expansion throughout New Orleans comes as a natural growth progression for LA Boxing,” said Philip Jacobs, LA Boxing Director of Franchise Development. “There is a high-demand throughout New Orleans for an alternative to large, impersonal fitness centers, making LA Boxing a perfect fit for the area. We’re looking to grow throughout the area with franchisees like Scott who are business savvy and fitness-minded.”
With nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in the development pipeline, expansion throughout New Orleans is part of the company’s strategic franchise expansion plan which calls for more than 220 locations to open nationwide by 2015. The gyms will be concentrated in most major U.S. cities including Brooklyn, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Seattle, among others.
For more information on LA Boxing or franchise opportunities, visit http://laboxing.com/franchising/ or contact Philip Jacobs at: (714) 668-0911 or philip@laboxing.com.
About LA Boxing
LA Boxing® is the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts fitness franchise with nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development. The LA Boxing Workout™—aimed at suburban men, women, and children—which burns 800-1,000 calories per hour, is taught by professionally-trained boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts fighters. For more information about LA Boxing, visit http://laboxing.com/.
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Interview with Reece Bennett
Thursday, April 12th, 2012
Pictured L to R: Jesse Reid, Reece Bennett, Chet Bennett
Reece Bennett is no stranger when it comes to boxing. A Southern California native, Reece spent his days in the ring at an early age, much like his grandfather and father before him. During his early amateur career, Reece was a member of LA Boxing’s Fight Contingency Program, a program that supports our members through sponsoring amateur and professional fighters.
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Being a third-generation boxer in your family, boxing is clearly in your blood. Your grandfather, Chester Bennett, fought in the 1930s and your father, Chet Bennett, in the 70s. Was there any pressure to become a boxer or did you find yourself naturally picking it up?
There was never any real pressure in my family to start boxing. That is one thing I am truly grateful to my father for. That being said, somewhere deep down I knew I would end up boxing sometime down the line. My father always watched boxing on the weekends and the major PPV fights were always a party with some major names of retired boxers who were always family friends. Looking back I was set up from the start to pursue boxing.
With your first amateur fight at just 11 years old, how supportive were your parents during your early years?
My father has naturally always been supportive throughout my whole career. He is my best friend, biggest fan and ironically my biggest critic. He will be the first one to tell me if he thought I lost, to the point where he has thought I lost some of those I won. My mom, on the other hand, has been supportive but also engraved in me the importance of education. I know, because of her, that school comes before boxing as it is a for sure way to better my future. If boxing works out, that will be amazing. But education is the only constant in anyone’s future.
What was the moment where you realized you wanted to pursue boxing on a more serious level?
When I was younger, I was involved in all sorts of different sports and competitions. Mainly competitive karate. After I had achieved a goal I had since I was 4 years old of getting my black belt, I decided it was time to try a new endeavor. My dad was weary at first, he didn’t know if I had the dedication to succeed in boxing. After countless times asking, he finally gave in and we got connected with hall of fame trainer Jesse Reid.
At 17 you won novice division in the California Golden Gloves tournament. What are other accomplishments you’ve had thus far?
I have won the Desert Showdown, the Nevada state championships, and recently got eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Olympic reload trials. That made me top 10 in the nation.
Jesse Reid, a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, has been your trainer since you were 15 years old. How has helped you develop as a fighter?
Man there is so much to say about Jesse. He is so much more than a trainer to me, and much more of a father figure. Our families connected from the beginning and have been close ever since. When I was fighting my addiction to drugs, he came to California and put me up with his son in Nevada with the help of my parents. As a fighter (and a person), the biggest thing Jesse has taught me is that no matter what fight you are in, or how hard it gets you never give up and never stop fighting
How important is it for a fighter to have a strong bond with his trainer in achieving success?
To me that bond is mandatory. I trust Jesse and Trevor Sambrano, my second trainer and also an LA Boxing trainer, with my life and everything they say, I believe. The one problem with today’s boxers is the loyalty with their trainers. I have been raised, and firmly believe that you stick with your trainer through thick and thin. I understand situations arise where you need to change, but for me there is no boxing without Jesse or Trevor.
How would you describe your style?
My boxing style is always evolving and changing depending on my opponent and the strategy I need to employ. I feel the strong constant is that I have always been a boxer-puncher.
How long have you been training at LA Boxing? How has training at LA Boxing improved your skills?
I have been training at la boxing for about a year now. Meeting Trevor Sambrano there has drastically improved my skills and style. Since then, I have exceeded the skill level I thought was impossible in such a short period. The best part of this is I am still improving with no end in sight. It works out for me because Trevor and I live close by each other, so we’re able to train a lot in South Orange County.
What are some goals you have set for yourself for the rest of 2012 and beyond?
After falling short at the Olympic trials I have decided to look forward and not back. I would like to have another 15-20 amateur fights and in late summer I plan to turn pro, god willing.
When you’re not in the ring, where can we find you?
When I’m not in the gym, sadly I am usually driving to the gym haha. I go to LA 3 times a week to spar so that roughly translates to 10-15 hours a week of driving depending on traffic. Other than that I am usually studying or trying to fit time in with friends and my girlfriend, while also doing my work to stay connected with God and the things that keep me happy and sober. I have a lot to juggle in my life, and I am truly grateful for every part.
Thank you for your time and best of luck on your future. Any last words for the readers?
Thank you for everything. I feel truly blessed with Jesse and Trevor in my corner and am also thankful to LA Boxing for making my boxing goals slightly easier.
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LA Boxing® Knocks Out Franchise Agreement in Brooklyn
Friday, March 30th, 2012
Longtime Friends and Business Partners to Open Brooklyn’s First LA Boxing Gym; Company Plans Call for More Than 25 Additional Locations to Open Throughout the Five Boroughs
BROOKLYN (March 30, 2012) – LA Boxing®, the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) fitness franchise, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement with entrepreneurs Dmitry Skvirskiy and Alex Maftsir to open the first LA Boxing gym in Brooklyn.
Slated to open in fall 2012, the new LA Boxing will be the first of five locations to open in the Brooklyn market. The company plans also call for more than 25 additional locations to open throughout the five boroughs within the next 18 to 24 months.
“LA Boxing is the perfect fit for our lifestyle and professional goals,” Skvirskiy said. “We’ve been huge fans of boxing for years and were looking for a way to turn our passion into a business. When the opportunity to become entrepreneurs with LA Boxing presented itself, we knew we had found the perfect fit.”
Longtime friends and Information Technology (IT) specialists, Skvirskiy and Maftsir decided to open LA Boxing in the Brooklyn after recognizing a void in the neighborhood for such a specialized, high-intensity fitness option. Since the LA Boxing business model does not require the owner to be on site full-time, the franchise opportunity allows them the ability to become small business owners without sacrificing their professional careers.
“LA Boxing gives us the opportunity to pursue what we love, with the resources and guidance we need to help us reach our goals,” Maftsir added. “We’re able to fill a void in the Brooklyn area by providing a clean and comfortable atmosphere where members can get a great workout, while also gaining self-confidence.”
LA Boxing focuses on fun, efficient and effective group boxing workouts and intense one-on-one personal training in a clean, welcoming and friendly environment, taught by instructors with actual fighting experience. Unlike individual workouts at most gyms, LA Boxing’s group classes are filled with a mix of all fitness levels and, although intense in nature, members are encouraged to workout at their own pace. While gaining intangible growth in self-confidence and determination, members have the ability to burn up to 1,000 calories in hour-long classes.
The bright colors, clean environment, and well-organized layout break down the conventional image of a boxing gym. Each LA Boxing is outfitted with a designated area for rows of heavy punching bags, speed bags, a boxing ring, an MMA area, and cardio and strength equipment. LA Boxing has thoroughly researched and tested all components of its concept—location and layout, equipment mix, marketing plans, staff responsibilities, and class schedules, among others.
“We’re looking to grow throughout Brooklyn with franchisees like Alex and Dmitry who are business savvy and fitness-minded,” said Philip Jacobs, LA Boxing Director of Franchise Development, adding that there is a high demand throughout the market for alternatives to large, impersonal fitness centers. “We have found that local consumers are increasingly interested in fitness concepts like LA Boxing that offer an unconventional way to stay in shape and break from their typical routine.”
With nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in the development pipeline, expansion throughout Philadelphia is part of the company’s strategic franchise expansion plan which calls for more than 220 locations to open nationwide by 2015. The gyms will be concentrated in most major U.S. cities including Brooklyn, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Seattle, among others.
For more information on LA Boxing or franchise opportunities, visit http://laboxing.com/franchising/ or contact Philip Jacobs at: (714) 668-0911 or philip@laboxing.com.
About LA Boxing
LA Boxing® is the world’s largest boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts fitness franchise with nearly 75 locations open nationwide and another 50 in various stages of development. The LA Boxing Workout™—aimed at suburban men, women, and children—which burns 800-1,000 calories per hour, is taught by professionally-trained boxers, kickboxers and mixed martial arts fighters. For more information about LA Boxing, visit http://laboxing.com/.
