BEST BOXING GYMS IN LONDON

East-West-North-&-South, London’s boxing scene is thriving. The head-to-toe benefits of boxing, both physical and mental, have become increasingly popular in the past 15 years. Private studios and recreational boutiques have been cropping up all over town to cater to the boom in popularity of non-contact boxing training or for the white-collar warriors who’re looking to experience the thrill of competition. On top of that are the perennial institutions that justifiably bring London the reputation of being a global boxing centre of excellence.  

In this article we will look at four of the finest establishments, that each merit their inclusion for a unique blend of reasons.

NORTH 

   Camden Boxing Club is our no. 1 pick in North London. The first thing that hits you (not physically!) when you walk into the studio space at Camden is how big it is and put simply how cool the place looks. The space is so well considered, fit-for-purpose, clean, well lit and spacious. There are several dedicated zones across the studio that show off the sophisticated level of training that takes place here. There are two rings, a tiered bench to accommodate 30 people to oversee the main ring, two different bag areas, speed balls, a weights area, mirrored zones for shadow boxing, a sled runway, cardio machines, private loo cubicles, separate changing rooms, sauna, showers, steam room… the second ring is in a semi-private, secluded area that can be made entirely private with the help of curtains. The venue has caught the boxing world’s attention and has hosted media days, professional fighters training days and is an enviable studio location for filming. Asides an unmatched set-up, Camden too boasts a very high-level of coaching. The trainers here are all hugely experienced, with Amateur-pedigree and apply their expertise to the classes, meaning you take away something new and improved every time. Don’t be surprised if you see a professional fighter training in the ring while your class is conducted in the bag area. This is the home of authentic boxing mixed with central London amenities and style. The club will greet you with a fully-stocked cafe + equipment store on entry, with a comfortable area to sit and wait for your class or settle and relax after your class. There is a large neon installation of Amy Winehouse on your way downstairs, an ode to the doyenne of soul, rhythm and blues - that’s cool.

#camdenboxing
47 Kentish Town Rd, NW1 8NX

EAST

   Based in London's East End, Repton Boxing Club is one of the most illustrious names in British boxing history. Founded in 1884, the club has produced so many Amateur champions, team GB members and gone-on-to-be-pro athletes that it's hard to think of a bigger boxing institution in this country. The club has world-wide recognition and the fighters there today are a mix of those from the local area and those who've travelled miles to be there. The club operates out of an iconic Victorian former baths house, which is very cinematic, appearing countless times in films and as a popular choice of venue for photoshoots, music videos and adverts. Repton Boxing Club is on our list as the finest boxing gym in East London as it is the oldest amateur boxing club in the country and is a gym for serious, competitive amateur boxing. There are no beginners classes or box-to keep-fit for recreational enthusiasts. The Club's Motto ‘Non Viscara…Non Gloria’ (No Guts...No Glory) just about sums up what you should expect if you visit Repton. This is for those who want competitive boxing!

#reptonboxingclub
116 Cheshire St, Bethnal Green, E2 6EG

SOUTH

   BRONX LDN opened their doors in February 2023 with 6,000 square feet of gym space and they are on a mission to show the world that “boxing belongs to everyone”. The owner Marnie Swindells was herself a boxing fanatic and previous gold medal winner (twice!) of the Haringey Cup. Marnie is also more recently known for winning the Apprentice… but I digress. This club’s usp is the most fantastically large, open space - you could do your sprint work end-to-end. The ceiling is about 25-feet above the floor and the stylish branding of BRONX LDN gives it an alluring identity. There is a full-sized, raised ring at one end and a variety of bags line the 30m wall. But fundamentally Marnie has curated a gym that "combines the authenticity, integrity and substance of a local amateur boxing club with the style, professionalism and customer satisfaction of a commercial gym”. Marnie herself is regularly on the class roster and when she’s not the coaches have all the experience you’d expect for a gym that exists to show you the magic of the sweet science. This gym fosters an atmosphere of ‘better together’ and wants to bring people forward physically as well as mentally. There is a clean environment, with modern showers and a smooth booking system. Perhaps it’s the Marnie effect, but for now they boast a very high female membership - circa 60% of members are women.

#bronxldn
166 Benhill Rd, SE5 7LL

WEST

   In leafy Queens Park, you wouldn't expect to find a boxing institution with the same pedigree of some of London's East-end counterparts, but STORM is exactly what West London wants. This is a dazzling gym, with great appeal. It is a boutique, non-contact boxing gym with state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated to providing an elite fitness experience to the local community. It is led by some really high-pedigree people, who have an infectious enthusiasm and a genuine love of boxing. The main man there is an ex-Peacock alumnus, who brings highly-respected East-end boxing credentials to this West London academy. There is room for every piece of boxing kit you can think of; a speedball, bags, weights, mirrors, skipping ropes, all the cardio machines and a ring. The gym itself sits on Salusbury road, with floor-to-ceiling windows which can be left wide-open in the summer. There's a lot of light and the atmosphere is very inviting, with some stylish branding. The venue is fully equipped with private shower units, towels, a fully serviced cafe and a terrific sound system to elevate your rate of exertion. You'll have a great time here. 

#stormldn_boxing 
121 Salusbury Rd, NW6 6RG

   Whatever level of skill, fitness, entusiasm or experience - London is loaded with opportunities to progress your boxing. Whether it's recreational fitness and skill, or competitive sparring that you seek, boxing is as much mental as it is physical. To the exclusion of all distratcions you will find yourself focused on what's in front of you. When the body is busy, the mind is empty and we live in the fullness of every moment.