SJC Boxing Gym celebrates 34th anniversary with boxing demonstrations and refreshments

When Steven Canton first opened the gym, he didn’t think it would still be standing 34 years later.

Now, its home to championship boxers. Its home to kids locally. Those kids are not only his athletes, but athletes who lost their gym after Hurricane Ian.

The 34 year anniversary: SJC Boxing has created a legacy and a home for many kids. Specifically, those at risk.

“They need opportunities. I know the sport of boxing. So I open up my doors to these kids to make sure they’re on the right track. We give them a place where it’s safe, where they learn life’s lessons,” said Canton, owner of SJC Boxing Gym.

“I was messing around just, you know, a young kid trying to grow up. And then we moved here. And then I knew what I was trying to do, because God appointed me to this, said Braydon Stewart.

Braydon Stewart is a 14-year-old who found a home and family in the SJC Boxing Gym almost two years ago.

“It introduced me to the principles of life, of hard work, discipline, working hard, you know, I’ve got a family now,” he said.

Oscar Montilla was 14 when the gym first opened. Now, 34 years later, he still comes back to mentor.

“It reminds me of where I came from and how I started,” said Montilla.

“The professional success that I’ve had throughout the years. That’s nothing compared to the kids that never end up great in the sport but become great as people,” Canton said.

Canton said as long as this gym lasts as long as it can, even if that’s longer than he does, that’s what matters.