Nonantum Boxing Club Newton, Newton

Nonantum Boxing Club's seven instructors have countless riveting stories from the ring. Nico Gargaro can detail a blow by blow of his 2009 Rocky Marciano Tournament victory, and Nathan Busa can tell of duking it out in the All-Marine Tournament at Camp LeJeune during his four-year stint as a sergeant. It's these experiences the team draws on during the center's daily one-hour boxing conditioning classes, which not only train students of all experience levels in boxing fundamentals, but also incorporate cardio and strength training. At private and semi-private lessons, trainers refine each student's technique, giving the student skills they can hone during the open gym hours the club holds six days a week. Kids can participate in youth classes every Saturday morning, and early risers can stop by at 5:30 a.m. three days a week for heavy bag conditioning, which is more effective than waking up early to punch out the paperboy.