SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — A new boxing gym announced it’s having its grand opening on the third level of the Destiny USA Mall on Saturday.
OptionZero boxing gym has plans to be an accessible resource for those in the boxing community. The gym is being marketed as a service open to boxers of all levels, sizes and ages.
OptionZero announced offerings of competitive boxing sessions, general fitness work, group fitness and boxing classes and youth programs of some sort.
Justin Hirschberg, an avid boxer, member of the SU boxing club and frequenter of area boxing gyms, said that his experience with the boxing community of Syracuse has shown him the exclusivity of the sport.
“To find a real good boxing gym and a good coach, you really kind of just have to know somebody,” Hirschberg said. “So, for me, personally through the school that’s just set up, but if you’re just someone who’s in Syracuse you really have to look for a good gym.”
Hirschberg said that having a gym for all boxers leverages an increase in demand in the area. He also said that there is no better location for it to be.
“Destiny’s obviously a big place within Syracuse, so it’ll attract a lot of people. I’m sure it will bring in good competition, good coaches, good all that stuff,” Hirschberg said.
According to Hirschberg, a Rochester native, the demand back home for boxing is better, and he said he suggests that OptionZero really leverage that notion of being for everyone to make boxing a more welcoming sport in Syracuse. Hirschberg said gyms around him have also done community outreach sessions to teach about boxing, which he said he thinks worked well.
OptionZero’s grand opening on Saturday is at 3 p.m. and will include a meet-and-greet with the whole staff as well as a live boxing clinic.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: New boxing gym brings accessible experience to Destiny Mall
Casey Hornbeek: Destiny USA Mall is opening a new attraction this week. NCC News reporter Greg Carlton has more on what to expect from the addition.
Greg Carlton: OptionZero boxing gym is having its grand opening Saturday at the Destiny USA Mall. The gym plans to bring competitive boxing sessions, general training, group classes and youth programs to the Syracuse area. Justin Hirschberg, a member of SU boxing club, says the Syracuse boxing community could use more of this accessibility.
Justin Hirschberg: To find a real good boxing gym and a good coach, you really kind of just have to know somebody. So, for me, personally, through the school that’s just set up, but if you’re just someone who’s in Syracuse you really have to look for a good gym.
Carlton: Hirschberg, a Rochester native, says he hopes OptionZero can work to expand the love for boxing in Central New York. On Saturday, starting at 3 p.m. visitors will get the chance to meet the OptionZero staff and watch live boxing clinics. The gym will be on the third floor of the mall. For NCC News, I’m Greg Carlton.