November 6th, 2006
Philadelphia has a reputation for being home to some of the toughest fighters the boxing world has ever seen. So when you have this label, where should you go to train?
Down in South Philadelphia, the Joe Hand Boxing Gym continues the tradition it has held over the last decade by being the first and only choice of boxers, kids, and promoters alike. The new facility welcomes all with open arms and gives young people a chance to build on their dreams.The gym allows students to come and learn about boxing by watching the ongoing events in the gym. Many of the children run to the computer lab that has been vastly improved since they left the first building.
Peter Papaleo , a former trainer who volunteers regularly at the gym, talks about the reason that Joe Hand had in mind when erecting the gymnasium.
“Joe wanted to give something back to the kids. We signed up all kids. They didn’t have to pay, we put the computers up and the rest If history.” Papaleo said. “It became one of the most popular gyms in Philly.”
Joe Hand originally was located in Northern Liberties at Howard and Thompson street. The property there only cost a $1 at the time and Papaleo helped Hand renovate the gym in six months. In 1995, when former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson was preparing to fight Buster Mathis Jr., he choose the Joe Hand Boxing Gym for his training, becoming the first to use it and officially putting it on the map.
The Boxing Gym has also been the home for champion amateur teams that Joe Hand had built. In one of the brochures about the gym’s success, Joe Hand is quoted saying that “after developing the best amateur boxing program in the United States, we began to do even more.” Which led to the computer lab and after school programs for the kids.
A reputation has also been built for the gym as being one of the premier places for young boxers to train. “Gentleman” Chazz Witherspoon, who is the 2004 National Gold Glove Heavyweight Champion and cousin of former heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon, has trained in the South Philadelphia facility.
Current undefeated Super Middleweight Lajuan Simon also uses the Joe Hand Boxing Gym for his training and his rehab. He is recovering from a broken jaw he sustained in the third round of an August 18th bout. Simon still managed to finish the bout, taking the victory in the process.
Papaleo points out that many boxers from out of town that are looking for a place to train are told by their promoters to “see if Joe Hand’s team can handle you, if they’re not filled.” It is the reputation that Joe Hand and others have built for the last decade.
This has been a work of
Temple University Graduate Charles McLaughlin
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