The History of Detroit’s Celebrated Boxing Scene

Jan 20, 2022

Originally posted on September 10, 2021

Detroit’s rich history of boxing around the city has produced numerous champions including Joe Louis, Thomas Hearns and Hilmer Kentry to name a few. Whether at the famous Kronk Gym, where it originally sat on McGraw Avenue in Detroit, or at the city’s Golden Gloves Tournament, Detroit has been a training ground for some of the best amateurs and professionals in the sport of boxing.

In celebration of the city’s storied boxing history, American Black Journal Producer Marcus Green talks to Hall of Fame Boxer Thomas Hearns, Hall of Boxing Referee Frank Garza, Former World Welterweight Boxing Champion Milton McCrory, amateur boxer Deion Plummer, boxing manager Jackie Kallen, and more on the sport’s early days in Detroit and how it embedded itself into the city’s story.

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