Mesquite Boxing Gym Article

Mesquite Boxing Gym to Host Open House

Posting Date: 07/29/2011

By Carrie Gomez

The Mesquite Boxing Club is free for kids ages 8-18 who not only can train physically for boxing, but can also participate in a tutoring and nutrition program. Photo by Carrie Gomez

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” are famous words spoken by one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.

Muhammad Ali started boxing after his bike got stolen when he was 12 years old, and progressed into one of the biggest names that boxing has ever had. He has stayed dedicated to his craft to this day; although Parkinson’s Syndrome has taken control of his body and Ali can no longer fight, he remains a hero and icon of the 20^th century.

The Mesquite Boxing Gym has been around for a long time and the building shows it’s age. Matt McCulloch, the manager/coach at the gym took over in 2006 and has put his heart and soul into keeping it going strong. The gym is a 501c3 organization under the Family Services Division, and runs mainly on grants, fundraisers and private donations. It’s free for kids ages 8-18 who not only can train physically for boxing, but can also participate in a tutoring and nutrition program.

There are five coaches who volunteer regularly with the gym: Matt McCulloch, Tom Brooks, Brian Jerrel, Eduardo Rolan, and Don Rawson. At least one coach is at the gym during every open hour teaching conditioning, boxing techniques, and eventually sparring. Kids (both boys and girls) are put into one of three brackets, which are based more on commitment than skill level. “Some of the boxers are competition ready, and some are not,” states McCulloch.

The gym began its tutoring and nutrition program in 2010; tutors work with the children on a voluntary basis, and all subject help is available. A grant was awarded to the gym in May which will help to expand the program. Currently, McCulloch is holding a Summer Reading Incentive program. For every three books a child reads, complete with a half page summary of each, an award is given. Awards include Walmart gift cards, games of bowling, and movie passes. During the school year, there will be a contest each semester. The child that reads the most books in one semester will receive a Nook. Another incentive that the gym offers during the school year is even bigger and better. Any boxer who brings in a report card with a cumulative 3.0 GPA will have their USA Boxing Registration and boxing shoes paid for, which is a value of over $100.

McCulloch took over the gym after his son Anthony gained an interest in boxing. He is now a certified coach with USA Boxing, and thoroughly enjoys working with the kids, listening, and most importantly watching them progress.

The Mesquite Boxing Gym will hold an open house on Aug. 17, from 6pm-7pm to raise community awareness and promote its programs. People are encouraged to meet the coaches, check out the trophies, and watch a demonstration of the boxers everyday workout.

For more information on the Mesquite Boxing Gym, McCulloch is available at the gym, located at 51 1^st Street, any Tuesday-Thursday from 5:30pm-7:30pm.