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8 New England Champions
5 Speed Bags
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Somerville Boxing You Belong Here

Somerville Boxing Club is a tight-knit community of boxers, trainers, and members of all ages and abilities. We offer training, conditioning, competition, and support to help our members achieve more, both in and out of the ring. Our whole-athlete approach has helped hundreds dig deep, get in shape, find their grit and reach their goals.

Orlando Maffucci
Keith Rubino

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Keith Rubino

Fighter

Twenty-eight year old Keith was looking for an outlet to pass the time after work. Keith has been in recovery for @TIME; his time at Somerville Boxing Club keeps his mind focused on his goals, and gives him an outlet for expression, and a way to keep fit and stay social with men and women his age. "It helps you mentally, not just physically," he says of the training regimen. "It's good to be around people that like to see you succeed."

A former navy member, the physical fitness and the sense of belonging are both valuable to Keith. However, he wasn't always so open. "I'm very cautious of who I let into my life, and who I consider a friend. Coming here, I'm learning to interact better with people, to let people in and learn to be more sociable." He believes the environment of the club has played a big part in his transformation, and his continued success. "People here want to see you succeed, and they genuinely like you. It's like a big family here." Even having had no background in boxing, the other members, trainers and volunteers here "welcomed him in" and worked with him to improve in many areas.

With his life back on track, Keith is looking forward to getting back to work, both on the mat and in his career.
Joe
Matt Difraia
Joey G
Joel
Tom Gorman
Derik DeAngelo
Matt Mahoney

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Matt Mahoney

Trainer

Matt Mahoney is a familiar face in Somerville Boxing Club. A lifelong resident of Somerville and Melrose, he started coming to the club when he was only sixteen years old. His father encouraged the young man to come down and train. Like Matt, he knew the value of raising a kid who could handle himself, in or out of the ring. "Sometimes parents are hesitant to get their kids into boxing or any contact sport. The secret is, once you know how to fight, no one wants to fight you," he says with a smile.

In his nearly thirty year relationship with the club, he's seen transformations great and small-- a success he credits to the vibe at the club. "There's no judgment. A lot of boxing gyms are intimidating, especially if you're new. This gym isn't like that." He said of the sport, "It's huge confidence builder." He's seen the burst of confidence in action with members.

The former competitive boxer and lifelong club member is now beginning to help the next generation of trainers and boxers, getting working toward his Cornerman's license so he can be ringside as SBC competitors lace up the gloves at book fights and sparring events. Until then, Matt is just happy to train, hold the mitts for a fellow boxer, and chip in any way he can.
Alex Rivera

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Alex Rivera

Trainer

Alex Rivera is registered as an amateur level USA boxing training.

Alex started boxing at 33. His beginnings were in MMA and kickboxing. "I could have chosen any of the gyms in the area.", he said, but he chose SBC.

He's quick to point out the distinction between the two. "I don't call it fighting. I call it boxing. There's a difference. A fighter is a troublemaker. A boxer is someone who has sportsmanlike conduct."
Fran Hennessey

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Fran Hennessey

Volunteer

Fran Hennessey has been a member of the Somerville Boxing Club for over three years. Introduced to Stoney through mutual friends, Fran came to the club looking to help others and make a difference in the lives of the kids who came to the club. "I love helping out the kids." Though Fran didn't come from a boxing background, he found many ways to contribute his time and enthusiasm to the club. In return, he found great friends, and the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.

"It's a great sport," he says of boxing, "and the best conditioning you can get." Though he wasn't a boxer when he started, it's all the same to the members of SBC. Fran's arrival at the club, like all members, is always met with a wave, a handshake, or an update on what's going on in the ring that day. "They've accepted me," he says, lighting up with a smile. "I've learned a lot here, and I help out where I can."

What impresses Fran most about life at the club is the effect it's having on members. "Some of the success stories- it's unbelievable the turnaround in some of our members." He immediately thinks of club member Anthony (link this). "Anthony was heavy, very insecure. He wouldn't look you in the eye. [Now] he's a gentleman. What a change in him. I think he's one of the best stories down here." Fran laughs, a big, proud guffaw, "Ask his mother! She loves that he comes down here. It's a way of life, and he doesn't miss a day."
Perez Campusano
Antonia Villa
Nicki "Smiles" Colecca
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