As a Professional former WBC welterweight boxing champion || Celebrity Coach, my experience at Pal Boxing (Vellajo) was the worst of any gym I've visited around the world.
The owner (Tyler) appeared welcoming the first time we've met, but after an incident that occurred at his business he showed poor judgement and little to no concerns.
The young fighter Bryson with the colored hair felt the need to pull a gun after suggesting that he wanted to spar with me and I said ok let's go.
(Bryson Turnbow) @jbqt_
was collaborating with us for content creation. This was setup by my business-partner who often helps him as she's thoughtful as an amazing person.
This collaboration required him holding pads while we record a few combos. Less than two minutes into holding pads while I punched lightly to see if we had chemistry, his attitude became sour towards me. Once I saw his body language I stopped and immediately had a conversation to let him know we aren't competitors and this is just some mittwork, he exited the ring and took a seat on the bench for another 2 minutes before I asked him if he wanted to try catching punches while I throw a little harder.
He said yes, entered the ring again, and we started working. I was using approximately 50 % of my power and I thought he was doing well on the pads.
Like most coaches and fighters, you'd see the trainer throw a slap as the fighter here and there with the pads while they work and Bryson did exactly that, which I was ok with as I'm experienced and defended. We got into a little play, he threw punches and i used a few feints and non-contact decoy jabs to throw him off.
Soon after he mentioned getting his gloves to spar with me and I welcomed it. I even asked him if he wanted to get protective gears for safety. He said no, I said ok but let me change to a 18oz gloves as I was wearing a smaller 10 Oz gloves at that time.
I honestly thought he wanted to spar to help settle his nerves. Maybe trying to land on me would've been a nice little challenge for him, unfortunately! He decided to get a GUN instead and this surprised me and my business-partner.
His drama was uttered in nasty words, such as; Get the fuq outta his gym. This is his hood. I think I'm better than everyone else because I have FOLLOWERS and so much more.
We did not escalate things and he refused to be calm to have a conversation. Our final decision was to leave the gym and take necessary action regarding the matter.
I wouldn't recommend this gym as a safe place for children or anyone looking for a positive community.
While i hope others wouldn't experience this, Reports to California boxing committee and USA Boxing is necessary. read more