Warwick Hard Knocks Boxing Gym Hosts Grand Opening

WARWICK, RI — Hard Knocks boxing gym hosted its grand opening at its new 905 Warwick Ave. home Saturday  afternoon, with Mayor Frank Picozzi, pizza and sparring.

The brief sparring match between Hard Knocks trainer Miguel Cruz and Abraham Ceron, who were making use of the time in the gym. Hard Knocks is owned by Harvey Emery, whose son, Rocco, winner of the Silver Gloves New England, attended Hard Knocks Boxing Club in West Greenwich.

Harvey and Ceron’s dad, George, watched from outside the ring as Cruz and Ceron traded jabs. After the exercise, Cruz, spoke of the value of boxing as a tool for building discipline and confidence.  It’s an element of the sport Cruz knows well. Cruz has been boxing sine he was 7 years old, both in the U.S and Puerto Rico.

Born in the U.S., Cruz moved to Puerto Rico with his family when he was seven, and then back to the U.S. with his mom when he was 12 as they sought a better life. Throughout his time living in both places, he stuck with boxing.

“It was my outlet,” Cruz said, providing the focus and discipline he needed to keep moving toward his goals.

“It changed my life,” Cruz said.

It’s that benefit both Cruz and Harvey say they’re interested in providing the community with the new boxing gym. Some people are nervous when they first visit the gym, Cruz said, but once they put on their gloves, “The feeling they get is incredible,” Cruz said.

Not far away Ceron’s mom, Zolina Medina, watched Cruz and her son work in the ring together. She’s a fan of his sport, and its positive affects.

“One of the best things about this gym is the atmosphere they have created for my son. He has been able to really stay focused in school with his schooling because of the discipline that he has learned here while he’s been boxing with Hard Knocks of Warwick”

“I also want to take the time to compliment Miguel the trainer. His skill working with kids is quite amazing and admirable, and he really has worked well with all the different kids that have been arriving at this particular gym,” Medina said.

Harvey is looking forward to keeping up the good work. “This is a community gym for the City of Warwick,” Harvey  said.

Hard Knocks of Warwick, offers boxing fitness classes for all ages and skill levels. “Our unique approach caters to individuals seeking one-on-one instruction, women-only classes, and inclusive group dynamics. Join us to experience the empowering benefits of boxing,” according to their website.