Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Youth Development and Boxing Training
Founded in 1954, the Gene Lewis Boxing Club has dedicated over seven decades to empowering youth through structured boxing training and holistic development programs. Our mission focuses on promoting decency, preventing delinquency, and fostering behavioral guidance for boys and girls from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. We provide comprehensive services addressing health, social skills, education, vocational readiness, and character building. Our experienced coaching staff, led by Program Director Joshua Benjamin, combines amateur and professional boxing expertise to deliver impactful training. We serve Mesa's youth with weekday gym sessions from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and host the annual Gene Lewis Invitational Boxing Tournament.Our inclusive approach welcomes participants as young as eight years old, offering both physical training and mentorship. We maintain strong community partnerships to ensure accessibility through affordable registration fees and flexible participation options. Our facility at Broadway Recreation Center supports both competitive athletes and recreational participants. We emphasize citizenship development and positive behavioral outcomes through structured programs. With decades of local impact, we continue evolving our services to meet contemporary youth development needs.
Services
Youth Boxing Training
Annual Tournament
Character Development
Community Outreach
Athlete Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- Serving Mesa's youth since 1954 with proven programs
- Experienced coaching staff with professional boxing backgrounds
- Community-focused approach with inclusive participation policies
- Affordable $85 annual registration fee for full access
- Structured tournament preparation with annual invitational event
What people say
Great character development
Affordable programs
Experienced coaches
Positive environment
Services
Youth Boxing Training
Structured boxing instruction for ages 8+ with experienced coaches, including weekday gym sessions from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Focuses on technical skill development, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Requires annual $85 registration fee for full access to training programs.
Annual Tournament
Three-day invitational tournament held each November at Broadway Recreation Center. Features competitive matches for registered participants with $30 entry fee. Includes opening ceremonies, preliminary rounds, and championship bouts across multiple weight classes.
Character Development
Behavioral guidance programs promoting decency, citizenship, and positive decision-making. Combines boxing training with life skills education, vocational readiness, and social development activities. Designed to prevent delinquency through structured mentorship opportunities.
Community Outreach
Inclusive initiatives serving diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including broken homes and low-income families. Provides affordable access to boxing training and personal development resources. Focuses on redirecting youth energies toward constructive activities and positive community engagement.
Athlete Counseling
Guidance services addressing behavioral challenges and personal development needs. Offers individualized support through experienced coaching staff with professional boxing backgrounds. Emphasizes acceptance, encouragement, and friendship in a structured training environment.
People
Joshua Benjamin
Program Director
Experienced boxing coach with professional training background, leading youth development programs since 1954. Specializes in competitive tournament preparation and character-building instruction.
Lawton Connelly
President
Board president overseeing organizational strategy and community partnerships. Committed to maintaining the club's legacy of youth empowerment through structured boxing programs.
Javier Carrasco
Board Member
Active board member supporting program development and facility operations. Contributes to maintaining affordable access for Mesa's youth since joining the organization.
Frank Lerma
Board Member
Community-focused board member dedicated to expanding outreach programs. Works with local schools and recreation centers to identify youth in need of structured activities.
Angie Figueroa
Board Member
Board member advocating for inclusive participation policies. Ensures programs remain accessible to youth from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds through financial assistance options.
Questions
What are gym hours?
The gym is open for workouts Monday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
What age can join?
Participants must be at least 8 years old to join our boxing training programs.
Who are the coaches?
Our coaching staff includes experienced boxers led by Program Director Joshua Benjamin, who trained with world champions.
When is the tournament?
The 2025 Gene Lewis Invitational runs November 14-16 at Broadway Recreation Center in Mesa.
