Phoenix AZ is home to some world class, old school boxing gyms. So whether you’re just passing through, or if Valley of the Sun is home, and you’re looking to strap on some gloves, you’re in luck.
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 Phoenix boxing gyms in the comments at the bottom and I’ll continuously update this page to make it as useful as possible!
The 7 Best Boxing Gyms in Phoenix 🥊
1️⃣ Old School Boxing Gym
- Summary: Just how boxing gyms should be. Nothing fancy but full of passion and experience.
- Address: 3602 N 27th Ave
- Google rating: 4.5
- Opening hours: M-F: 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
- Best for: beginners, kids, pros, and everyone in between
- Pricing: $150 / month
- Online: website, Facebook, Instagram
Old School Boxing by name, old school boxing by nature. There’s nothing fancy about this gym, but that’s exactly how I like it.
The walls are covered in flags and boxing memorabilia. It smells of sweat and leather. And fighters of all ages, men and women, are hard at work on the bags or in the gym.
You’ll feel like part of the family the moment you step foot here, and realize that Old School is all about the boxing. A boxercise study this most definitely is not.
They’ve coached countless pros and amateur champs so you know that you’ll be learning from, and training with, the best. But don’t let that put you off if you’re new to the sport – they’re extremely welcoming to beginners (so long as you’re willing to put the work in!).
They offer group classes, one-on-one training, or open gym.
Undoubtedly one of the best boxing gyms in Phoenix. Go check it out!
2️⃣ Hard Knocks Gym
- Summary: One of the best authentic, experienced boxing gym in Phoenix
- Address: 11042 N 24th Ave suite 105
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M-F: 4-7pm
- Best for: beginners, kids, and intermediate boxers
- Pricing: n.a.
- Online: Facebook
You won’t find a bad word said about this humble but oh-so-mighty boxing gym.
But if there’s one thing that separates Hard Knocks from the rest, it is it’s genuine care for it’s members and strong family feel.
Each and every person that comes to Hard Knocks is immediately made to feel at home by coaches Arturo and Alexis (both former pro boxers). This place is authentic, passionate, and friendly: all the perfect ingredients for a top class boxing gym. Owner Suzanne also has a killer smile to top it all off.
They also have a big focus here on helping underprivileged kids by keeping them off the streets and inspiring them through boxing. Many parents praise the coaches for being great role models to their kids.
They’re too busy boxing to have created a website so information on pricing and schedule is limited so head on over to their facility in Fairwood or give them a call on +1 602-944-4791 to learn more.
Hard Knocks is a hidden gym. Definitely one of the best boxing gyms in Phoenix.
3️⃣ Central Boxing Gym
- Summary: A top class authentic boxing gym with rock solid community values
- Address: 1755 W Van Buren St
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M-F: 8am-8pm, Sa: 8am-12pm
- Pricing: n.a.
- Best for: community minded, passionate boxers
- Online: Facebook, Instagram
Now this a real boxing gym. You can tell the second you step into the building – a large red-bricked, high-ceiling-ed space adorned with murals to the sport’s greats – that you’ve come to the right place.
The first thing you’ll notice is how much they care at Central Boxing. Not just about boxing, but about each member, and the local community. They run various community initiatives here like feeding the homeless and have become a integral part of the neighborhood.
There’s not a bad word said about Central Boxing. Everything from the welcoming atmosphere, to the experienced coaching, to the spacious facility, is exactly how a true, old school boxing gym should be and feel. No egos, just big hearts and lots of passion for the sport.
The only negative is that they don’t have a website so details about schedules and pricing are hard to find. Too busy focusing on their boxing, I guess…
Highly recommended for anyone interested in the sport.
4️⃣ Chavez Boxing Gym
- Summary: Run by a highly experienced coach dedicated to serving the community
- Address: 2952 N 16th St
- Google rating: 4.7
- Opening hours: M-F: 2-9:30pm, Sa: 12-4pm
- Pricing: $50 / hr of one-on-one
- Best for: all boxers, especially the young
- Online: website
Chavez Boxing Gym is a lot more than just a great place to train in real boxing. It’s a pillar of the community started by a man who wants to help others, especially kids, avoid some of the mistakes he made in his own life.
Owner and Head Coach Pete “The Punisher” Chavez is a licensed USA Boxing Coach that has coached many pros and won plenty of amateur titles in his own boxing career (a very impressive 36-3 record). Rest assured you’ll get high quality boxing tuition here from extremely passionate, knowledgeable coaches.
Most of the coaching is done in one-on-one sessions that you can book in packages for better value. Or you can just use the open gym. If you’re keen to train for amateur competition then they hold 3 classes a week on Mon, Weds, and Fri evening for those interested.
As well as being a great place to train in boxing, I like that they have such strong community values here too.
Pete Chavez runs a non-profit youth and community foundation at the gym aimed at helping young people develop their self-confidence, build character, and learn self defense.
5️⃣ IronGloves Boxing Gym
- Summary: A pure boxing gym with 30+ years of experience. One on one training only.
- Address: 1425 E University Dr #B109 (Tempe)
- Google rating: 4.7
- Opening hours: M-T: 7:30am-8:30pm, F: 7:30am-6pm, Sa: 7:30am-1pm
- Pricing: $25 / private class or $30/m open gym
- Best for: those wanting personal boxing coaching
- Online: website, Instagram,
IronGloves is a proper boxing gym that has been in business for nearly 30 years.
In all that time, they’ve certainly learnt how to operate a top class gym and have trained multiple amateur champs.
Owner and Head Coach Renene is a very popular figure and is responsible for having created an extremely welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Boxers of all levels are welcome here but you must be at least 15 years old to join. Note that most of the tuition is done through one-on-one classes rather than in groups, or you can show up to open gym and train with whoever else is around.
The facility itself is very well equipped with all sort of boxing equipment and a top notch weights section. Just remember to bring your sweat towel – they’re strict on it!
The other thing I like about IronGloves is that it is extremely good value at just $25 for a private class or $30 per month for open gym access. Also, unlike other boxing gyms, they don’t charge a signup fee or get you stuck in contracts.
Lots of members have been going to IronGloves for years, which you all you need to know.
6️⃣ Madison Boxing Gym
- Summary: A family run boxing gym with a long history and passion for the sport
- Address: 9402 N Central Ave
- Google rating: 4.5
- Opening hours: M-T: 8am-8pm, F: 8am-6pm, Sa: 8am-4pm
- Pricing: $10 / class
- Best for: everyone!
- Online: website, Facebook
One review of Madison Boxing Gym starts off by saying “Coach Ricky is the definition of boxing”.
And that’s just a small part of the long list of praise heaped on Head Coach Ricky who took over Madison Boxing Gym from his late father.
There’s nothing flashy about this place but they get the important stuff spot on: coaching proper boxing technique and strong community atmosphere.
They’ve trained many champs here as you’ll see from the mountains of boxing trophies that fill this gym but they are welcoming to people of all ages and abilities. They also have a program to help elderly people suffering from Parkinson’s.
Go to learn how to box or just to get in the shape of your life. There is something for everyone here.
7️⃣ Title Boxing Club
- Summary: Good fun, high tempo boxercise studio.
- Address: 3031 E Indian School Rd #19 & 5037 E Ray Rd
- Google rating: 4.8
- Opening hours: varies by location, see website for details
- Pricing: $129 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: beginners and fitness fanatics
- Online: website, Instagram
Title Boxing Club is a solid option for individuals seeking a vigorous workout based around boxing strength training. And, being a nationwide franchise, Title always has excellent facilities and well-trained, motivating staff.
However, bear in mind that Title places more emphasis on exercise rather than honing boxing technique. While you’ll practice some fundamental boxing maneuvers and enjoy a satisfying, fun, workout, you won’t emerge from the experience feeling like a pro boxer.
You certainly won’t do any sparring. In essence, Title resembles a sophisticated spinning studio more than a traditional boxing gym. No judgement here, as I know combat boxing isn’t for everyone, but just make sure you know what you’re signing up for.
There are two locations available in Phoenix, one in Ahwatukee and one in Arcadia, offering up to six classes per day, seven days a week.
Related articles:
How to pick a Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 🔔
The number of good boxing gyms in Phoenix is definitely on the up. And with places like Hard Knocks, Central Boxing Gym, Old School, Chavez’s, and several others, there are some top class authentic boxing gyms for you to get involved with.
Hope this article helped you find the right gym for you, and please get in touch at harry@bigrightboxing.com if you have any questions or thoughts.
Happy fighting! 🥊🥊
“Within our dreams and aspirations we find our opportunities” – Sugar Ray Leonard
