A letter from GYMU Boxing's CEO, Kelly Rich:
Greetings,
My name is Kelly Rich. I grew up in the Roosevelt housing projects on DeKalb Avenue and Lewis Avenue in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York; truly one of the toughest parts of Brooklyn. As a young kid I did well in school by achieving around a 95 average. However by the age of thirteen my father, Mr. Rich Sr., moved out drastically impacting me and my school work. My grades dropped to a 70 average. I was still able to finish school, and I was the only one out of seven children to do so. Through my early years as a teen I showed excellence in sports such as boxing, football, basketball, and running. However for some reason I felt that boxing changed my life more than anything else. Since I had no strong male role model to relate with the same interests as me I was not really motivated and did not fully apply myself to the things that came easy to me such as sports and education.
I always had strong leadership qualities. I always had a strong influence on kids and adults to help them finish school, follow their dreams, and put a hundred percent in what they do. It was rough for me to stay focus, mainly because I went through so much in my life. I lost my brother on February of 1995 to a long fight with AIDS. He was buried on Valentine’s Day. That very same year I lost my younger brother to street violence. He died the day after the million-man march. I then lost my mother in 1998 to a long three-year fight with breast cancer. That same week I lost my father to cancer as well. It was rough but through my testimony I still manage to inspire people that they can make it.
I have created this boxing program with the sole purpose of inspiring other people. Not only do kids and adults learn how to box, keep a healthy life by exercising and dieting properly, and be respectful of oneself and the people who surround them, but they also learn true values. Our boxing students are required to do well in school; if they do not then they are not allowed to participate in the program. I make sure it happens by attending their open school nights.
GYMU keeps kids and young adults off the streets and out of gangs, away from using and/or selling drugs. Our program helps people become more than just statistics, we help them achieve success. One of our kids has discovered that he is a good actor, and according to his drama teacher he is one of the best amateur actors she has seen in years. Another one of our kids has improved his grade from the 70s to 100s. These are just a few of the effects GYMU has on people. Parents always thank us for helping their kids, and that’s a beautiful feeling.
GYMU keeps healthy relationships with people like Elena Makau, a well respected lawyer who takes care of all our legal business, Doctor Roberto, an excellent chiropractor who takes care of the boxer’s aches and pains, and Angel Lopez, a local detective in the 94 Precinct that helps us keep safety in the area. These are just a few names to list and we appreciate their help.
In closing, we would like to thank the people that put their heart and souls into GYMU Boxing.
Thank you for your interest and support. It is greatly appreciated.
Kelly Rich
GYMU
CEO
Name: Juan "Baby Tito" Dominguez
Birth Place: Santiago, Dominican Republic
Age: 21
Name: Jose "Jay Payso" Quinones
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Age: 21
Nationality: Puerto Rican
Titles: 2005 Empire State Games Regional Champion
My name is Jose Quinones, Jr. but I rather be called Jay Jay. I was born in Harlem (NYC) and moved to the Bronx, by the age of 2 I moved to Bed-Stuy (Brooklyn). I was raised here in Bed-Stuy as many know many talents emerged from this part of Brooklyn - such as Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Lil Kim, Fabulous and many more, now at the present another star is being born in Bed-Stuy's backyard.
Growing up here was pretty challenging. Day and night I heard gunshots outside my window. My mom hated the danger and therefore never let me go outside. I was bored of staying home and had no friends in my neighborhood until I was about 11 or 12 and then I was still considered the new kid on the block. It was very stressful and for years all I wanted was to gain respect so I started looking up to all the drug dealers on the block. I tried to dress, act and have money like them. As time went by I found I was getting into a lot of fights and earning the respect I wanted, yet it was tough for me since I was the youngest kid on the block.
By the age of 14 I was hustling and making some money on the low but I realized that this is not who I really am and chilled out for a while. While in High School I spazzed out and went girl crazy. I never attended classes and was always bugging out having fun. Everyone told me "Jay why don't you start boxing" and I used to reply “naaa I don't want to mess up my face. One night when I was locked up with a friend that boxed we spoke about a lot and the next day I found myself at the gym.
I didn't realize then, but I fell in love with the sport as soon as I put on boxing gloves it was such an unfamiliar yet good feeling. But at that gym they didn't really train me on how to box, I was a brawler coming home everyday with a shirt full of blood which my mom hated it, but in reality I really loved to see the blood it made me feel like a fighter. My father used to scream and say what the hell is that - that's not boxing it looks like you getting your ass kicked; I used to laugh it off and was like whatever.
I wound up searching for a new trainer and that's when I found Mr. Rich, my trainer aka my big brother, he taught me how to box, hit, and not get hit and most important how to use my mind. When I was tired he told me to watch all the old fighters their struggle, their speed and their dedication and how they had to fight for the sport. He taught me much more than boxing, he taught me about life and opened up my eyes up about life. This is when I realized that I was never a boxer until I met my big brother, my trainer - Kelly Rich.
To close off I want to give special thanks to my mother and the struggle she has put up with always on my back about school. Because of my mother and her struggle I am going to college to earn a Degree in Business Management. I made a promise to get my mother out of the hood if not I will die trying. I LOVE YOU MOM, DAD, LIL BROTHER and my Princess HAZEL.
Darrel "King David" Madison
Hometown: Central Islip
Age: 29
I was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Long Island, New York on a cold Thursday in January. For the first two years of my life, I was the youngest in a family of 5; 3 sisters and 1 brother, until my baby sister came along. After that, we stayed together for the next 15 years in Central Islip, New York. I spent my younger years in the gym with my brother, Kevin, and my cousin Ralph Mann – that's where my boxing career started. I must have been good even back then, because I kicked so many ass's that they threw me right out of Catholic School in the 6th grade. After that it was Central Islip School District for me. I started in Mulvey Elementary School then went onto Ralph G. Reed Middle School. In middle school, I started learning about the girls and fast money and the gym was no longer a priority, although fighting still was. All that fighting got me a front seat into the BOCES Culinary Arts Program for ½ day and academics for the other ½ day – a front seat right next to kids with problems worse than mine. I perfected the art of fighting in BOCES over the next three years. During the end of my 3rd year, it was clear my mother was losing hope. She prided herself in "doing a good job with 5 out of her 6 kids; I would be the only one without a diploma". That made me sit up a little straighter and keep my hands down. I pulled myself together during my last year of High School and got my diploma – then it was back to the drawing board for me.
I lived recklessly for the next two years before packing it up and going to Rhode Island. Rhode Island led me back to the gym. There, I surrounded myself with future superstars like Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey and Peter Manfredo.
In 2000, I fought and won the New England Golden Gloves in Fall Rivers, Massachusetts. With that great accomplishment behind me, I went back to NY in 2001 only to fall back into the mix of not training right, running the streets and falling back into my reckless way of life.
In the summer of 2004, I started doing my thing again – hitting the gym and running everyday – pushing myself further and further, harder and harder. All that training led me to victory in the 2005 Golden Gloves, accomplishing another one of my dreams. After the Gloves, I went to the Empire State Games and took some Gold back home with me. The following week, I went to the Kansas City Ringside World Tournament, beating both American and Canadian Super Heavy Weights.
In June 2005, I was invited to fight in the Nickel City Challenge in Buffalo, N.Y., where I would go on to win. I knew I was invited to the challenge for a reason more specific than winning – there I met my current trainer, Kelly Richardson.
It's been history since then. Since that time, I've continued to train with Kelly and have been lucky enough to have Frank Mullen bring his expertise to the team. The two of them keep me motivated and keep my boxing skills sharp with crisp combinations and hard punches – all to help pave the way to my ultimate goal of becoming the Heavyweight Champion.
King David At BoxRec.comReggie ‘Concrete’ LaCrete was born March 10, 1979 and raised in Brooklyn, New York. At the age of 16, Reggie made some bad decisions, which led to his incarceration. He spent five long years away. At a time when other teens were going to proms and applying to colleges, Reggie was locked up. With the love, support and encouragement of his mother, Solange LaCrete--Reggie came out a smarter, stronger, more independent and determined man.
Upon his release, Reggie discovered boxing and that is where he found his passion and his purpose. Having lost so much of his youth, Reggie’s amateur career was short. With the guidance, support and expertise of his manager, Jackie Kallen, Reggie ‘Concrete’ LaCrete made his boxing debut in November 2006 at the World’s Most Famous Arena – MADISON SQUARE GARDEN! He won emphatically and has looked better with each fight. With his cool, calm and relaxed demeanor—he remains undefeated.
He has been gifted with a rock-hard punch and superior “ring smarts.†His hard work, discipline and dedication to his craft give him the motivation to see the big picture and the bright future before him. His dreams, visions and goals keep him going to the gym daily—believing that the Lord has a master plan for Reggie LaCrete.
Besides his manager (Jackie Kallen), LaCrete has put together a strong team that also includes his trainer Kell Rich. Added to the mix: The love he gets from his family and longtime girlfriend Keli McCabe. Reggie has all the ingredients to make it to the top. He is on his way and he will stop at nothing!
Reggie LaCrete At BoxRec.comBio Coming Soon!
I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY 1992 November 6. I grew up with a good family and 2 great parents. With two cool
brothers and one beautiful sister. My name is Zach but my birth name is Zachariah Scott Ochoa. I love to have fun and laugh. When I was growing
up I got into a lot of trouble in the streets and in school. Most of the time I got in trouble for fighting. I mean growing up in Brooklyn is
learning how to fight or run. And when people see you run they get a sign that you have too much fear. That's why I pick to fight so I can get
my respect. I was never scared of anyone. My other two brothers were different they never really like to fight in the street. But I loved fighting
in the streets the attention and the adrenaline rush I get when fighting it was like pure peace to me. But my life changed a lot when my parents
got divorced it was horrible. I started getting suspended from school and getting in trouble and it was hard. My father would be working and also
my mom. So I had to take care of my little brother. My little brother and me would be walking down the street and people will try to pick on us
and try to hit us and I would tell my little brother to run while I am getting jumped just to protect him. A lot of people ask me you're so
young and you've been through a lot. This I all true, I cant make this stuff up. My whole life changed when my mom put me into boxing in the 8th
grade. I first started at the famous Gleason's gym I met a lot people there. The first time  into the ring  I loved it because it was like fight
without getting in trouble. But then I left that gym and went to New York boxing gym. I didn't really learn that much in there but it was a new
experience. My first 3 boxing matches I won which made me 3-0 until my coach put me in with a guy that was more experienced and was older and weigh
more then me. I was sick that day and I still fought so people wouldn't think I was scared. And when I fought I whooped the kid and I was mad
happy but they gave the decision to him and I was sad. But I learned not to let my pride get to me and play it smart. But now everything is great
I found the best trainer and the best team. My new trainer is Kelly Richardson and my new team is GYMU boxing. My future dreams are to become the
world champion and to give the lord Jesus Christ all the glory the.
GYMU boxing all day we taking it to the next level
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