Located at 103 NW Fifth Ave, in Delray Beach, the Phoenix Boxing Gym has been a staple of this community for over five years. Recently, the CRA was able to give Michael Hockton some funding to assist in new signage for the building and collaborate on future goals Michael has for his gym.
The owner, Michael, moved to Florida 25 years ago from England, where he coached high-level boxing. After coming to the area and coaching locally, Michael sought a space to build his own boxing gym, where he felt it would become a part of the community.
Building the Boxing Gym
When Michael purchased the building, it was a beauty salon, but he recalls it being “far from beautiful.”
“You had to wipe your feet going out at this place,” Micheal said, remembering the dirty floors. “There were lots of cockroaches in here; it was in a really rough state. But it was all aesthetics, nothing major but aesthetics.”
After replacing the moldy drywall, broken windows, and doors, Micheal created a space for his passion. “A lot of love and attention to get it where it is today,” said Micheal, “but you wouldn’t recognize it from what it was.”
Building Community Connections Through Boxing
When Michael moved to the area, he took the time to connect with the community. Through many conversations and sharing his mission, he realized the gym had become a key influence in the area. Phoenix Boxing Gym provides a space for exercise and community connection, supported by local figures like the pastor and dedicated volunteers.
CRA Funding Helps Phoenix Boxing Gym Expand
The CRA provided Michael with a portion of the funds to help with new signage to update the overall appearance of the boxing gym and collaborate with Michael to expand the space. With the help of the CRA, Michael’s goals for the building will accommodate more people and make it more accessible to the community.
Looking Ahead: Future Expansion Plans
With plans to expand and accommodate even more people, Michael hopes to extend the gym’s space to better serve the community.
“I’ve put a lot of money into it, and I’d like to get something back,” said Michael. “We’re looking to broaden it out a little bit, make it bigger, and get some more people in here.”
