Philly has lots of awesome boxing gyms, but Maleek Jackson Fitness Boxing Gym has to be one of the best.
Jackson, who lost three brothers and one nephew to gun violence, opened the gym after becoming entrenched in a life of crime as a teenager and spending 10 years in prison.
Once he returned from serving time, Jackson decided it was time to start over and do some good for the community. He discovered his love and passion for fitness and boxing, and turned it into a business.
In addition to owning the boxing gym, Jackson works as a personal trainer for city officials, professionals, entrepreneurs, and athletes. He created a sponsorship program called, “Azzim Dukes Initiative” which provides boxing sessions for youth in the city.
Jackson also holds free classes for children every evening at 5 p.m. After these classes, he gives all of the students tokens for free snacks, and his paying clients are encouraged to sponsor a child with a $5 donation.
The mission of Maleek Jackson Fitness Boxing Gym is to not only provide lessons in boxing, but to bridge the gap for those who are underserved in life. Jackson seeks to offer violence prevention in the form of fitness, mentorship, and community.
