Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Lox.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My boxing journey began at the age of six. Growing up, many of my uncles were caught up in drugs and crime, and they opened a boxing gym as a way to create a safe place for my cousins and me—a place to stay out of trouble and focus our energy on something positive. Over time, most of my cousins walked away from boxing, and sadly, a few who were my age are no longer with us today.
I stayed.
Boxing gave me discipline, structure, and a healthy outlet for my aggression. It taught me accountability, perseverance, and respect—lessons that went far beyond the ring. When it would have been easy to take the wrong path, boxing kept me grounded and focused.
I also understood early on that education mattered. I earned my bachelor’s degree because I knew that not everyone makes it in sports, and even those who do still need the knowledge and discipline to manage their lives and their money. I’d seen too many talented athletes lose everything simply because no one prepared them for life beyond competition.
When my boxing career ended, I knew I wanted to give back in a deeper way. I didn’t just want to teach punches and footwork—I wanted to give kids the same opportunity boxing gave me, while also emphasizing education, responsibility, and long-term thinking. I wanted to create a place that was affordable, safe, and welcoming, where kids could channel their energy, build confidence, and quietly absorb life lessons that would stay with them long after the gloves came off.
I started by training neighborhood kids in my garage while working toward nonprofit status. Once that was secured, I found a gym space and began building something bigger than myself. Over time, that space grew—not just in size, but in impact.
Today, boxing allows me to positively affect my community on multiple levels—physically, mentally, and personally. What once kept me out of trouble has become a mission: helping young people build discipline, confidence, and a future—inside and outside the ring—one round at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how difficult it can be to help others—especially when they don’t immediately see the vision you’re trying to build. Running a nonprofit comes with constant obstacles, from limited resources to the ongoing challenge of finding sponsors and supporters who truly believe in the mission.
Fundraising has been one of the hardest parts. You’re asking people to invest in something that doesn’t always show immediate returns, even though the long-term impact can be life-changing. Believing in the mission is easy when things are going well; it’s much harder when you’re trying to keep the doors open month to month.
Another challenge has been working with kids who don’t have the same drive I had growing up. Early on, I struggled with that. I had to learn that they’re not me—and just because they don’t show the same hunger or discipline doesn’t mean they don’t need the gym. In many cases, it means they need it even more.
That realization changed how I coach and how I lead. Success isn’t just measured by champions or wins; it’s measured by kids who stay out of trouble, build confidence, and learn discipline at their own pace. Those struggles shaped the gym and shaped me, and they reinforced why this work matters—especially when it’s hard.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear a lot of hats. On a daily basis, I work with kids, young adults, and adults—coaching boxing, mentoring, and helping people build discipline and confidence through the sport. I manage the day-to-day operations of the gym, oversee the boxing equipment store connected to it, handle budgeting, fundraising, and ordering supplies, and make sure the facility itself is clean, safe, and functional—often fixing equipment myself.
Beyond the gym floor, I meet regularly with parents, plan matches and travel for competitions, coordinate events, and work closely with USA Boxing to ensure our athletes are competing the right way. I spend a lot of time networking in the community, building relationships with sponsors, schools, and local organizations to keep the gym accessible and affordable. I also lead a Bible study, because for many of our members, spiritual growth and character development are just as important as physical training.
What I specialize in is using boxing as a tool—not just to create fighters, but to develop people. I’m known for fundamentals, structure, and accountability, and for meeting athletes where they are, not where I wish they were. I don’t believe success is limited to wins and championships. Success is when a kid stays in school, gains confidence, learns respect, or simply has a safe place to go after school.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built. We’ve created a gym that’s affordable, welcoming, and mission-driven, where people from all backgrounds are treated like family. What sets us apart is that this isn’t just a business—it’s personal. I’m not managing from a distance; I’m in the gym every day, sweeping floors, fixing bags, mentoring kids, and doing whatever needs to be done to make sure the doors stay open and the mission continues.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I believe we have covered everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.legacyboxing.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacyboxinggym/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyboxinggym
