A Shared Vision: Richmond Boxing Club Takes Flight
Ian shared a dream: a non-profit boxing gym focused on building champions, not just in the ring, but in life. He envisioned a place where dedication, respect, and hard work were paramount, and where talented young athletes could flourish. Early 2022 saw that dream become reality with the birth of Richmond Boxing Club (RBC).
Starting Simple, Aiming High:
The early days at RBC were humble. We transformed a 361-square-foot garage into a training ground. One heavy bag, donated equipment from friends, and a whole lot of heart – that's what we had. The first member, Jerrel Tisdale, a gifted fighter, was hungry to learn. It was clear from the start that RBC was special.
The FARMERSTRENGTH™ Advantage: Coaching from Afar
While my passion for boxing remained strong, life had taken me to Costa Rica. But thanks to the power of technology, distance wasn't an obstacle. FARMERSTRENGTH™ allowed me to join the RBC team virtually, leading strength and conditioning sessions. These online sessions, a first for me, were surprisingly effective. The young athletes adapted quickly, and their dedication was inspiring.
From Concrete Floors to National Champions:
The results spoke for themselves. Jerrel secured RBC's first victory within a month. The gym floor evolved from concrete to rubber, a speed bag joined the equipment, and eventually, a small ring – designed with input from Coach Pancho at Hermosa Boxing Camp in Costa Rica a "no escape zone" as both head coaches liked to call it – it became the training centerpiece. Then came Isaiah Rodriguez, a 9-year-old with raw talent and unwavering determination. Under Ian's guidance and the FARMERSTRENGTH™ virtual strength and conditioning program, Isaiah blossomed. In just 11 months, he achieved boxing history, becoming a USA National Silver Gloves Champion in his very first fight! Success wasn't limited to Isaiah, young talents like Malachi Green and Abraham Reyes have also represented RBC in the ring. Malachi's skills were on display as he secured notable victories against tough competition in the DC/Baltimore region, further solidifying the gym's reputation for developing skilled boxers.
Growing the Family: Professional Boxer Finds a Home and Redemption
RBC's impact isn’t limited to only amateur boxers. Professional boxer Josiyah Giles, a talented fighter Ian and I knew from our previous gym experience, reconnected with us after a particularly challenging moment in his career. He was about to enter a fight without a corner team, facing the ring alone. Witnessing this, Ian, ever the supportive coach, stepped in to offer his expertise. Josiyah's determination and Ian's guidance proved to be a winning combination. Josiyah not only secured a victory but also found a supportive team at RBC. Josiyah's subsequent success, including his first professional win fighting out of RBC, with the FARMERSTRENGTH™ logo proudly displayed on his shorts, is a testament to the power of teamwork. Josiyah's next fight is set for May 18th, 2024, in Washington D.C., where he'll be looking to continue his winning streak with RBC and FARMERSTRENGTH™ in his corner.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: A Shoutout to the Richmond Community
In addition to Ian and myself, RBC has been fortunate enough to receive amazing support from the Richmond community. Jon Hittel joined the team as a coach assisting with the strength conditioning programming, Andre Rawls with his non-profit Dream Team has been a huge presence in the gym and we have a tremendous relationship with Coaches Tony Cherry and Eddie Cook from Cherry Picked boxing in Richmond, VA along with Coaches Pete Woodson and Coach Ernesto Rodriguez from northern Virginia. We also have tremendous support from Al Rahim from Pro Se Boxing Apparel. Other notable members of the Richmond VA community that have helped with the club's evolution are Pat Paterson, Marcus Castro, Chris Jones, Stacy Thompson and many others who share our passion for helping others and the sport.
We have wonderful sponsors which include Cover One non-profit, Top Floor VA, Baypoint Wealth and my brother Aidan McCloskey at Pro Mac.
The Future of RBC: Building Champions, One Punch at a Time
Today, RBC continues to thrive as a non-profit, changing lives one punch at a time. Our dedicated coaches volunteer their time and expertise, fostering a positive training environment for athletes of all ages. However, as our family grows, so does the need for a larger space and additional resources.
How You Can Help Richmond Boxing Club and FARMERSTRENGTH™
RBC relies on the support of the community. If you share our passion for empowering young athletes through boxing, here's how you can get involved:
- Sponsorship: Help us cover equipment, travel, and coaching needs.
- Space Donation: Do you have a bigger space that could be our new home?
- Spread the Word: Share our story and inspire others to support RBC and FARMERSTRENGTH™.
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of these dedicated young boxers.
Follow Richmond Boxing Club here!
Richmond Boxing Club National Champion article Richmond Times dispatch
Stay tuned!
In my next blog post, I'll share my experience FARMERSTRENGTH™ helping professional heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano make his comeback.
