Gleason’s Gym may be the most famous and iconic boxing gym in the world. Since it’s opening in 1937 Gleason’s has been the training spot for nearly every legendary boxer in modern history including Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran, Mike Tyson, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Now on its fourth location, the gym has produced over 130 champions in the sport of boxing and continues to be a top location for veterans, up-and-comers, pros, amateurs, and hobbyists alike.
Peter Gagliardi, the gyms founder and former bantamweight, changed his name to Bobby Gleason to appeal to the predominant Irish fight crowd at the time. The original location was in the lower Bronx at 434 Westchester Avenue, near 149th Street and 3rd Avenue, and dues were $2 per month.
The gym was able to prosper in the 40’s and 50’s as it grew in stature, producing title holders along the way like Jake (The Bronx Bull) LaMotta, Mike Belloise, Phil Terranova and Jimmy Carter.
As boxing declined in the 60’s, Gleason’s again was able to endure as many other of the city’s top training locations closed their doors.
In 1964, Muhammad Ali trained at Gleason’s Gym for his first fight with Sonny Liston.
Ten years later in 1974, Bobby Gleason moved the gym to W 30th street in Manhattan where it stood until 1985. After changing owners in 1981 the gym moved shortly after to the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn at 77 Front Street.
In 2016 the gym moved again, but not far to where it currently operates at 130 Water St, just steps away from the iconic photo location of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Today, Gleason’s prides itself on equality, with its doors open to anyone that’s willing to put in the work and train amongst all ethnicities, economic status’, and skill levels.
The dues are set at a monthly rate of $99 and everyone pays the same regardless of their level – pro, amateur, or hobbyist.
The gym’s current owner, Bruce Silverglade, says the $99 rate makes the gym widely available to many, and with the ability to cancel anytime keeps the gym full with people who want to be there.
The trainers at Gleason’s are top shelf, including many current and former champions.
The gym’s top trainer, Hector Roca, has trained the likes of Iran Barkley, Arturo Gatti, Regilio Tuur, and Buddy Mcgirt.
From the gym’s website:
“Hector is the best they get, period.”
When you enter Gleason’s gym you immediately understand that it’s a no-frills kind of place. It’s got that old-school, gritty vibe that exudes an attitude of hard work and respect.
While we were there, a small altercation broke out between two of the members. One who was apparently upset after being denied the use of a piece of equipment for not asking beforehand made a snide remark to the other who may have been watching his rejection a bit too brazenly.
Thankfully only words were exchanged before the two were separated by fellow trainers and members. However, while one of the involved was being calmed down in a corner, one of his trainers made a comment that revealed the true nature of Gleason’s.
“This is a boxing gym…not a fighting gym.”
Gleason’s Gym has lasted the test of time because it specializes in one thing, and does that one thing well; develop boxers.
Gleason’s is about making skilled pugilists who are experts in the craft of boxing.
You will not find an MMA cage or jiu-jitsu mat tucked away in some corner of Gleason’s for those rare times when the art of boxing bleeds into the world of MMA.
The strength and conditioning equipment is outdated and poorly maintained. That’s because Gleason’s is there to create boxers, not bodybuilders.
There is a belief in the gym that extra size will hurt a boxer’s performance, so an emphasis is put on cardio, which is believed to win fights, as opposed to weights.
A long line of cardio equipment is nestled right outside of the owner’s office.
But there’s on thing for sure that you’ll find every time you step inside of Gleason’s Gym.
Boxers boxing.
For more information about Gleason’s Gym visit their website here.