Glove Up (No, Not That Kind): Best Boxing Gyms in Metro Manila

There's a certain nostalgia accorded to boxing, from Muhammad Ali's famous "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" quote before his life-changing bout with Sonny Liston in '64 to Manny Pacquiao's glorious knockout win against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003. Perhaps, even, the gritty image of a Rocky Balboa punching raw meat in a meat house.

Despite the advent of manifold workout trends, boxing remains to be one of the most popular in the world, both as a sport and as an exercise. There's no fancy equipment involved here, no US$2,000-worth Peloton bikes or daunting Pilates trapeze tables — simply buy a pair of gloves and hand wraps, and you're ready to go.

You'd probably be hard-pressed to find as many boxing gyms as there are yoga studios in Metro Manila, but these institutions are mainstays for those interested in immersing and devoting themselves to pugilism. Check them out.

Elorde Boxing Gym

Who has not heard of Elorde? It's almost always top of mind where boxing gyms are concerned. Established by professional boxer and legend Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, his eponymous gym has been frequented by celebrities and boxing enthusiasts alike to share in their love for the sport. It currently has more than 10 operational branches throughout the Philippines, so if you're interested, find a location near you. Elorde also offers home service training. For inquiries, you may contact 0922 830 7786.

Location: Multiple

Elite Boxing and Muay Thai

This premium boxing and Muay Thai gym was first established in Makati in 2014 and is a favorite for practice of beginners and those preparing for competitions. It currently has two locations, namely in Eastwood City Cyberpark and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, offering boxing, Muay Thai, and circuit training workouts. You can rest in the fact that the coaching staff at Elite are experienced coaches who are professional champions and former national team members themselves, so you're in good hands!

Locations: Elite Boxing and Muay Thai, 2/F, High Street South Corporate Plaza, 9th Ave., cor. 26th St., Bonifacio, Global City, Taguig City and G/F, One Orchard Road Condominium, Eastwood City Cyberpark, Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Maic's Gym

This Marikina-based gym should be up your alley if multiple fitness workouts are what you're after. It not just offers boxing and kickboxing, but also jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, Zumba, indoor wall climbing, functional training, strength and conditioning, and body building. Gym-goers can revel in its wide range of facilities, namely an indoor track, an indoor climbing wall, an octagon or cage, two boxing rings, a spinning room, and a dance floor. It is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM, save for Sundays when it is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. For inquiries, you may contact 0916 543 6902 or 8518 5582.

Location: 7 Ditchoy Street, Midtown Subdivision, Barangay San Roque, Marikina City

FIST Gym

FIST, which stands for Fitness and Self-Defense Techniques, is another premier martial arts gym in Metro Manila. Located in Timog Avenue, it offers boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, wrestling, and Filipino martial arts to the public. Those who want to compete at the amateur and professional levels can also take strength and conditioning classes, as well as fighter's training at FIST Gym.

Boxing is offered from Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to 9 PM, and on Sunday from 7 AM to 5 PM. An annual membership for boxing is priced at P900, whereas a per session fee for members costs P200 and P300 for non-members. Its 12-session members' rate is priced at P2,000.

You must book your martial arts class and schedule of choice through Google Forms at least one day before your chosen date.

Location: FIST Gym, Suite 301, Gil-Preciosa Bldg. 2, Timog Avenue 1103 Quezon City

Fight Factory Manila

Fans of Elorde Boxing can also check out Fight Factory Manila in Bonifacio Global City, which is powered by the gym. It offers manifold activities like boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, and circuit training. It has multiple branches, but we suggest you contact Fight Factory's active and updated Facebook pages for its Fort Bonifacio and Maginhawa locations for further inquiries.

Locations: Multiple locations across Metro Manila