Ok, I’m gonna give it to you straight: Albuquerque is lacking in quality, pure boxing gyms here.
But that doesn’t mean there’s nowhere for you to train in the sweet science. There are a handful of places that will teach you to fight. Let’s take a look…
My preference is always for those rare, pure, old school boxing gyms, free of ego, and full of passion for the sport. But sometimes I include the odd boxercise place because I know that not everyone wants the nitty gritty of actual combat.
Why listen to me: I’ve been boxing as an amateur for 6 years and trained in countless boxing gyms around the world from Seattle to Spain. I’ve learnt that picking the right gym can literally change your life and want to help you do the same. Learn more about me here.
PLEASE leave your own opinions and experiences about Albuquerque boxing gyms in the comments at the bottom and I’ll continuously update this page to make it as useful as possible!
The 5 Best Boxing Gyms in Albuquerque 🥊
1️⃣ Fit NHB
- Summary: A professional and passionate mixed combat sports gym. Best in town.
- Address: 1010 Candelaria Rd NW
- Google rating: 4.6
- Opening hours: M-T: 4-9pm, Sa: 9am-1pm
- Pricing: n.a.
- Best for: beginners, kids, pros, and everyone in between
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Fit NHB is a mixed combat sport gym offering classes in boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling.
They have classes for both adults and youths as well as “competitors” and sparring classes for those who are looking to take their training to the next level and compete.
As the name hints at, Fit NHB has a big focus on the fitness aspect of combat sport. And my lord do they go for it – this is one of the hardest workouts you’ll ever do. Just when you feel like your chest is about to explode, they’ll ramp up the intensity another notch.
The coaches here, led by Arlene and Tom, really know what they are doing with over 30 years experience. They’ll put you though your paces, give you personal instruction, and get the absolute best out of you (so long as you’re willing the put the work in).
Fit NHB has a very professional but friendly environment welcoming to all. Work hard, play hard. Definitely one of the best boxing gyms in Albuquerque. Go check it out.
2️⃣ Jackson Acoma MMA
- Summary: A top class, family friendly kickboxing gym. Welcoming to all.
- Address: 5505 Acoma Rd SE
- Google rating: 4.8
- Opening hours: M-F: 6-9pm, Sa: 11am-1pm
- Pricing: n.a.
- Best for: those looking for mixed combat training
- Online: Instagram, Facebook
It’s hard to find a bad word said about Jackson Acomo MMA.
Most of the praise focuses on the friendly, welcoming nature of the gym and its owners Nick and Clint. Sometimes combat sports gyms can feel intimidating to newcomers, but not here. One member describes it as the “best MMA gym on the planet”.
Ok, fair enough, this isn’t actually a boxing gym. It’s all about kickboxing. But here in Albuquerque you can’t be too choosy, and Jackson Acomo MMA is a great place to learn how to fight and get fit, even if it isn’t quite via the pure art of boxing.
They have group classes 5 nights a week, and sparring on Saturdays. What I like about this place is that owners Nick and Clint and their team put in the effort in to learn your name, care for your development, and give genuine technique instruction.
And, if it’s what you’re looking for, they’ll train you to be fight ready, and be really honest about where you are in your training to help you improve.
They’re too busy focusing on their fighting to have a website but they are active on Facebook and Instagram.
3️⃣ ABQ Kickboxing (Luttrell/Yee MMA & Fitness)
- Summary: A great mixed combat sports gym run by world class coaches
- Address: 2409 Princeton Dr NE Building B
- Google rating: 4.8
- Opening hours: M-F: 9:30am -1pm & 4-7pm
- Pricing: $130 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: those looking for mixed combat training
- Online: website, Facebook
Don’t ask me what the correct name for this place is. I don’t know.
What I do know is that the operation is run Coach Ray Yee who has a fighting and coaching track record longer than your left leg. He’s a guru in everything from Muay Thai to street defense tactics and a bunch of martial arts I can’t even pronounce.
It’s safe to say that if you train with Coach Ray Yee at ABQ Kickboxing, you’ll be learning from someone who REALLY knows how to fight.
Again, like Jackson Acoma, it won’t be pure boxing but it’s certainly genuine combat sports. None of this boxercise stuff.
The facility is very clean and spacious, they have a full schedule of group classes (in boxing, kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu and more) throughout the day, and the pricing is very reasonable. They’ve been in business here for nearly 20 years which tells you they’re doing something right.
They’re welcoming to all, including kids, and attract a friendly crowd. Definitely one of the best (kick)boxing gyms in town. Well worth a visit.
4️⃣ Republiq
- Summary: Much loved boxercise studio with super friendly staff. Non combat.
- Address: 6300 San Mateo Blvd NE Q
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M-T: 5am – 9pm, F: 5am-7pm, S-S: 1am-2pm
- Pricing: $89 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: fitness fanatics and beginners
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Anyone who trains at Republiq loves it. Seriously, go check out the exclusively 5-star reviews it gets for its cleanliness, the friendliness of the instructors, the intensity of the workouts, and the quality of the facility.
Republiq is a great place to get fighting fit in a fun environment but I’d caveat that the focus is very much about the fitness rather than the boxing.
There is no sparring here, for example, and the coaches are pros at personal fitness rather than pure boxing technique.
You’ll find plenty of soccer mums at Republiq, but not many championship boxers.
I like how hard they work here with classes throughout the day from dawn to dusk. 7 days a week. They offer boxing classes as well as kickboxing classes and SWEAT classes (full body circuit training).
And, at just $89 per month for unlimited classes, it’s really solid value. Well worth checking out if your priority is to get in killer shape through some loose boxing technique.
5️⃣ Baca Fight Systems
- Summary: A below-the-radar family run MMA gym. Top quality.
- Address: 1705 San Pedro Dr NE
- Google rating: 5.0
- Opening hours: M-T: 5:30-7pm, Sa: 10-11am
- Pricing: n.a.
- Best for: those who like simple but effective
- Online: Facebook, Instagram
Baca Fight Systems is a humble but mighty MMA gym.
There’s nothing flashy about this place but it’s full of passion, genuine combat training, and strong values of community and personal growth.
Baca is family owned and operated and offers classes in Muay Thai, kickboxing and boxing from instructors that each have 20+ years of experience. From Monday through Thursday they offer 2 group classes each evening, and then Saturday mornings are usually for sparring.
They don’t have a website but use their social media accounts to keep their members updated. You can join as a member or just turn up for walk-in classes for $10 a go.
Related articles:
How to pick an Albuquerque boxing gym❓
- Coaches – an experienced, motivating coach makes all the difference. Not just when it comes to improving your technique but also in encouraging you to keep coming back time and time again. Becoming a good boxer takes a long time and so it’s important you find a coach that you click with if this is something you want to do for many years. Reviews will often focus on coaches so try looking for those for some insights.
- Convenience of location and class timings – this is key. My boxing gym is on the same block as my home so I have no excuse not to go almost everyday, even if I’m not feeling up to it. Finding a gym that’s close to home or work will make your life much easier and help to make going to boxing training a habit. The same applies to class timings, if you have to massively disrupt your day to get to a class because it doesn’t fit your schedule then you’re going to be less likely to go.
- Gym focus – I don’t have a problem with boxercise classes, but make sure you know what you’re signing up for if you join one of these. Boxercise is very different than actually learning how to fight and getting sparring experience. If you truly want to learn how to box then you need to box. That involves punching other people and getting punched yourself.
- Trial class – most boxing gyms will allow you to have a free trial class so you can get a feel for the place before you sign up. This is a great way of evaluating whether you like the coach, the energy, and the focus of the gym. Always worth asking for a free trial class if you’re not sure whether it’s offered.
How much do boxing gyms in Albuquerque cost? 💰
- Monthly memberships: There’s a huge range here from ~$50-150 per month. Most places offer unlimited classes to their members. Be sure to check for this.
- One-on-one personal training: Depending on the gym, costs are around $50 per hour as a minimum.
- Drop-in boxing classes for non-members: ~$15-$30 per class
- Initiation fee: not all places make you pay one of these (and I’m not a fan of it) but those that do usually charge a one-off fee of $50-$100
12th Round 🔔
Admittedly you’re not spoiled for choice when it comes to boxing gyms in Albuquerque. Most of the best options are MMA gyms like Fit NHB and Jackson Acoma that also have a large boxing element.
We hope this changes soon and that Albuquerque builds a thriving boxing community. Maybe you could start a boxing gym…?
Happy fighting! 🥊🥊
“Sports are sports. Its all about how we carry ourselves out of the ring” – George Foreman
