Joe Hand Boxing Gym

Specialties

Opened in 1995, the Joe Hand Boxing Gym and Computer Lab is the first of its kind in the U.S. that not only trains children’s bodies, but their minds as well. When speaking about his facility, Joe Hand, Sr. sums it up best: «When an individual arrives at the gym with a gym bag on one shoulder and a school bag on the other, we know we are doing something right!»

A world of opportunity is right here, as kids are mentored by educators and athletes. The Joe Hand Boxing Gym offers regulation boxing rings, brand new equipment and a modern computer center where children can participate in the education process, whether or not they’re interested in learning how to box.

The Joe Hand Boxing Gym not only offers monthly memberships but also features a stable of world-​class trainers offering monthly personal training packages.

History

Established in 1995.

Located at 547 North Third Street in Philadelphia, the boxing gym benefits inner-​city residents by offering multi-​faceted programs designed to encourage children and young adults to achieve self-​imposed goals. The facility includes a boxing gym, various training stations and a state-​of-​the-​art computer lab with hired instructors.

Indeed, this is a unique boxing gym that not only trains the children’s bodies but their minds as well.

It was in 1983 when Hand laid the groundwork for the boxing gym. Twelve years later, Hand took a dilapidated building and invested thousands of his own dollars to see his dream come true. Originally, the gym opened in Fishtown and later moved to South Philadelphia before settling at its new state-​of-​the-​art Northern Liberties facility in 2009.

Over the years, the gym has trained multiple National Golden Gloves champions and boxers that have represented the United States at two Summer Olympic Games.

Meet the Business Owner

Joe H.

Business Owner

As an original member of Cloverlay Corp. in 1964, Joe Hand, Sr. helped guide Joe Frazier to the heavyweight championship. A few years later, he formed Joe Hand Promotions and became the nation’s leading distributor of closed-​circuit and pay-​per-​view sporting events.

More recently, he established the Joe Hand Boxing Gym and Computer Lab, a city landmark that serves as a learning center and safe haven for his community. Joe takes great pleasure in seeing children enter the gym with a gym bag on one shoulder and a school bag on the other.

Recognition of Hand’s work began in 1992 when he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. In 2000, Hand was inducted into the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Hall of Fame. In the following year, Hand was inducted into the Middle Atlantic Boxing Association’s Hall of Fame.

In 2002, Hand proudly accepted the prestigious Philadelphia Sports Congress’ Community Service Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the PA. Boxing Hall of Fame.