Boxing in the United Kingdom is a serious sport – the isles have over 7000 registered amateur boxers and the boxing industry generates over £3.4 billion in revenue annually. The country has produced several boxing legends – such as Chris Eubank Jr and Anthony Joshua – and is home to an invigorated youth deeply inspired by the sport. England’s capital is a prime location for good boxing gyms. If you want to perfect your jab, read on to discover London’s best boxing gyms.
1. Finchley & District Amateur Boxing Club
Finchley & District Amateur Boxing Club is renowned for being Anthony Joshua’s first gym – it was here, where 18-year-old Joshua was told by his cousin to pursue boxing. He famously thanked this gym for “teaching him how to stand up and fight for something” and proclaimed that he has “endless love for the gym”. Sean Murphy (who fought Steve Robinson for the World Featherweight Title) and Spencer Oliver (a former boxing champion who now offers expert commentary) are other legends who had their start in this gym.
A deceptively unassuming establishment, this boxing club has highly qualified boxing coaches. This is the perfect gym if you’re an amateur with little to no experience – you will be moulded into shape and relentlessly challenged at Finchley & District Club. Weight training classes are also available.
2. 12x3
12x3 was founded by former IBF World Champion Darren Barker and former England boxing captain Ryan Pickard. They bring a wealth of experience from the boxing world to their brainchild, 12x3. The name comes from the classic boxing format – 12 rounds lasting three minutes each. At 12x3, you will learn from the best in the industry. The gym has a range of packages, from one-time classes to annual memberships. They also have one-on-one training packages, where you will receive focused guidance on all aspects, from form to diet, from a boxing champion.
They pride themselves on their sense of community. Moreover, 12x3 believes in fostering holistic development in their boxers. Those who frequent this gym will not only become skilled in the sport but will also be disciplined, confident, and proactive in other aspects of life. 12x3 is loud and proud of its philosophy – “It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.”
3. Jab
Founded by former England boxing team captain George Veness, Jab is a boxing gym for seasoned boxers seeking a challenge. A fitness hotspot in Mayfair , it aims to bring back the “old school to London’s fitness scene”. Its decor is certainly reminiscent of the 1960s, with wooden interiors, vintage furniture, and posters of the elite in the boxing world. The gym’s changing rooms have branded toiletries. Jab also has a cafe, with protein shakes named after Veness’s old coaches. The classes are intense, and the workouts are known for spiking an incredible adrenaline rush. Venness himself leads many classes, which is a dream come true for boxing enthusiasts.
4. Kobox
If you love clubbing, Kobox would be up your alley. Its unique concept of evoking a nightclub atmosphere in the gym is bound to keep you on your toes. Created in a revamped basement, Kobox is a chintzy collaborative space, defined by its UV lights. They have intense 50-minute classes, where the lights are dimmed and your body’s strength is tested to its limits. You can learn at your own pace alongside experienced boxers and newcomers in the same room.
5. Islington Boxing Club
Its rundown facade is defied by its premium quality, with three boxing rings, 15 punching bags, and a plethora of training equipment. The club has an impressive track record of producing boxing amateur champions – Metropolitan policemen, firemen, and building contractors have perfected the craft at this gym and have gone on to win esteemed titles. They also take pride in producing a significant cohort of women boxing champions.
They have collaborative classes as well as one-on-one training sessions. They offer recreational boxing training where one learns the fundamentals of boxing for overall physical fitness; and academy training where one is trained to become a professional boxer.
6. 12 Rounds Boxing Gym
12 Rounds Boxing Gym is one of the most inclusive boxing spaces in the city, with classes for everyone – from beginners to champions, from children to the elderly. The owners, John and Kat Bryson, are inspired to make boxing a thing of fun for everyone. They are so passionate about making boxing accessible, that the establishment has a daycare that enables people to sharpen their boxing chops unhindered by parental responsibilities. There are four levels of training – Boxing Fundamentals, Contenders, Skills Skool and Warzone. One makes slow and steady progress to the top. They offer professional training courses, workout classes, and one-on-one training sessions. They also have classes for children.
7. Fitzroy Lodge Boxing Club
Fitzroy Lodge Boxing Club is a not-for-profit club, run by volunteers and powered by donations. The club aims to create a safe environment for people from all socio-economic backgrounds to hone their boxing skills. Their keep-fit classes are ideal for someone who wants to learn the basics of boxing for overall fitness, as well as personal training sessions, which are perfect for priming someone for professional matches. They are armed with two rings and 20 punching bags across all levels of difficulty. With a focus on holistic fitness, they have a weights section, cardio machines, and cross trainers. The establishment also has a sauna, to unwind after an intense session.
8. BXR London
BXR is one of London’s leading luxury gyms, with impeccable equipment and an array of wellness services, catering to the city’s high society. BXR is frequented by Anthony Joshua. It has celebrity affiliates – British musician Mark Ronson and sports commentator Eddie Hearn are on the board committee, while an elite clientele such as with Victoria’s Secret models are also members.
One of the gym’s unique features is its in-house clinic comprising multidisciplinary professionals and experts. The clinic is also equipped with a recovery lab, complete with a cold plunge tub and infrared sauna, to ensure a speedy recovery and improve performance. The 12,000-square-feet space comprises three studios, a professional-sized boxing ring, and pure leather punching bags. In addition to classes and personal training sessions, they also offer international retreats – you will be coached in a 5-star resort in an idyllic city in Greece or Turkey. BXR certainly lives up to its promise of being the chief “elite boxing gym”.
9. The Ring
First opened in 1910, the Ring was initially designed as a chapel, bereft of any 90-degree angle where the walls meet. Story has it that this was to prevent the Devil from hiding in a corner. Its unique architecture and history catapulted the Ring to fame. However, the devil-free structure was unfortunately taken down and the Ring was re-established a few yards away in 2003. The Ring has various membership programmes as well as pay-as-you-go classes. They have Berserker classes (which combine the basics of boxing and cross-training for a holistic strength workout) as well as Sparring classes (for training aspiring professionals).
The Ring also hosts White Collar boxing shows. Partaking of this event is a difficult venture – it entails a tough assessment and an unforgiving three-month training regime, before fighting a handpicked opponent for an enthused crowd. The event has all the works of a champion game, with a formidable ring walk and entrance music.
10. Legends Boxing Gym
Legends Boxing Gym operates by the philosophy that boxing is the “ultimate workout”. Catering to gym fiends in London, they are known for their premium training equipment, well designed stations, and classes for people across all fitness levels. The gym conducts daily classes and personal training sessions led by professional boxers with remarkable track records. They offer small, intimate group training sessions for novices, in addition to coaching classes for children. They provide free training to those who participate in their White Collar events. Legends Boxing Club is officially affiliated with England Boxing, a testament to its calibre.
London’s boxing scene is the mecca for aspiring pugilists. Whether you want to simply zhuzh up your fitness routine or become the next Muhammad Ali, one of the many boxing gyms in London would be your ideal launchpad. Guard up and find your go-to boxing gym in the city.
