So boxing gyms in New York State still cannot open per the Governor’s office. While precautions need to be made anywhere you go, a boxing gym is no different than a barbershop, massage parlor, restaurant and other places where social distancing and proper cleaning can be accomplished. A boxing gym is the life blood for many and can be properly controlled by the owner. Social distancing? No problem. Cleaning equipment? Easy. Limiting attendance? Yep. Screening boxers? Yes when other business that are open cannot.

They can start by letting in professional boxers to sharpen their skills to compete with other states already open. Pro fighters in NY will be behind on sparing and the like and this can cause them to be in danger when they step in the ring in another state because the need to feed their families or make a living. Not all boxers have the where with all to travel to other locals for proper sparing and training. You are denying income and putting these professionals in harm’s way by keeping boxing gyms closed. If other professional sports can open their locker rooms to 30-50 athletes a boxing gym can be open to 10-12 boxers at a time. There seems to be a discriminatory practice against boxing and boxers.

What about the amateur boxers? Many were denied a chance at a coveted Golden Gloves title both State and Nationally. Most of our youth look to the gym as a safe haven, the trainers and the coaches as a mentor and other boxers as family. Where are theseat risk kids going now?

A byproduct of the gyms remaining closed is the loss of minimal income these gyms have to re- open. The longer they are closed the less likely they can re-open in the communities they service as a needed asset.

A boxing gym is so much more than a “fitness center” please treat it as the valuable commodity that it is.