The Right Jab Boxing Gym celebrated its grand opening on Feb. 13. Mike Epps, comedian and Indianapolis native, was there to open his new boxing gym, accompanied by former heavyweight champion and lead boxing instructor, Lamon Brewster.
The grand opening showcased the facilities, such as state-of-the-art punching bags, a boxing ring and various workout equipment to train aspiring champions. Along with other boxing showcases, Epps took to the ring to throw a few jabs with Brewster.
Epps said that “We have created a gym here in the community that’s not only going to serve kids to become athletes, but we are also doing life lesson’s as well,” Epps said.
The gym’s focus will not only be on training local, aspiring athletes but also on conflict resolution and addressing various challenges Indianapolis youth face.
Brewster, an Indianapolis native who held the World Boxing Organization heavyweight title from 2004 to 2006, will serve as the gym’s leader, aiming to inspire youth to overcome challenges in the ring and in their personal lives.
“We want to help change the mindset of these young men and women,” Brewster told the Recorder.
Following the guidance and direction he received, Brewster seeks to give back to his local community by passing on the knowledge and experience he gained during his career.
“I’m proud to say that I’m Indiana’s first and only world heavyweight champion,” Brewster said. “It has allowed me to be able to tell these young men and young women that they can do it too.”
Epps’ vision was bigger than boxing.
“The Right Jab Boxing Gym is about discipline, confidence, and creating a space where people can push themselves to be better every day,” Epps said, “Bringing this gym to my hometown means everything to me.”
The gym’s purpose is to assist young men and women to have a place in the neighborhood to learn discipline, build character and achieve success in any field. The Right Jab Boxing Gym aims to serve as a place for uplifting the local community through mentorship and physical training.
The building for the gym previously served as an auto paint shop. Epps described the building as being “set up for success.”
The Right Jab Boxing Gym is located at 3717 Sutherland Ave. For more information, visit therightjab.com.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
