The former boxer, a resident of Mastic – Shirley for 20 years, spoke with The Messenger about his exciting new gig as the manager of X-Cel Boxing Gym, which he took over in September.
“I took over the gym after it had been closed for months because of the violence and gang activity in the Mastic – Shirley (area),” said Green, whose amateur record across 125 fights is quite impressive.
With a 4-1 professional record after being signed by “Sugar” Shane Mosley and Golden Boy Promotions, Green first broke into the big-time circuit after compiling a heap of accolades that included: 2 Empire State Games where he was crowned open champion, two 152-lb. weight class champion finishes for NY Metro and as a Golden Glove winner, and a 3rd-place national ranking by USA Boxing in that same weight class.
Recognizing that most of the senseless acts of violence in the area were being committed by kids, Green is now looking to give back to his community by keeping kids off the streets and goal-oriented. This is in lockstep with the path he chose way back when, and how he’s raised two of his sons, ages 14 and 16 –also boxers who have seen far too many friends incarcerated or worse after falling in with the wrong crowds.
“Boxing is a great sport to take up because it keeps your body in great shape,” said Green. “It teaches you discipline, it builds self-confidence— to me it’s a great way to let out anger and frustration instead of fighting a person in the street.”
Green added, “the things that y’all believe are cool are not cool. Being smart is cool, learning a trade is cool, being an honor roll student is cool. Join a sport to keep you away from the streets. Start building a future as early as you can.”
With super affordable prices, $50 private lessons for younger kids and $65 for teenagers, Green isn’t just about helping those swept up in violence with redistributing their aggressions somewhere more productive. He also conducts 1-on-1 training sessions with children dealing with weight issues, low self-esteem, depression and being bullied. Green’s wife Syasia, also a boxer, trains kids at the gym as well, and is hopeful that they can initiate a “Fight Like a Girl”-caliber tournament in the near future, so long as business and interest remains strong.
The Messenger has happily donated 30 pairs of boxing gloves, 6 helmets, shoes, sparring mitts and hand tape to the gym that can also use your help. “When you see a guy like myself trying to give these kids an opportunity and change the narrative, get behind me,” Green urges. “Help sustain the gym.”
Balzer and wife Catherine, who then reached out to Diane Caudullo (left), Publisher
of The Messenger
Leon Green’s X-Cel Boxing Gym is located at 129 Pineway Avenue in Mastic Beach.
