Xavier “Bad Pads” Biggs believes boxing is symbolic of life - it reveals if you’re worthy by testing your strength of character and self-discipline. The closer you get to success, to the title, the harder you have to work. Growing up in Philadelphia, Biggs was raised amidst its deep boxing culture. Training cleaned up his life at a pivotal point, when he was “kind of going down the drain” on the streets in the hood. Because boxing granted him a better vision of life, he derives great happiness from the opportunity to share this sport with others, as he knows firsthand how beneficial it can be on every level. His gym isn’t connected with other businesses or companies; it’s wholly organic, which can make keeping it open challenging. It’s a challenge well worth it, for Biggs has found his calling and contribution, all while staying true to his passion.
Decatur Boxing Club is an old-school, genuine boxing gym. Authentic posters and flyers cover the concrete walls, slices of history splattered alongside piles of weights, jumping rope, and other training tools. Many movies have been filmed here (notably, Resurrection of the Champ with Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett) because people love the look. The bare-bones, no-nonsense setup hones its focus on one thing: the art of boxing. With no air conditioning, it is a training gym sure to challenge you and push your abilities to their greatest extent. Open since 2004, there has never been a single incident or injury. That’s largely due to the expertise of Biggs and the other highly qualified trainers he has hired. He selects his trainers with careful consideration, ensuring they have excellent mentors, understand the highs and lows of boxing, and have gone through the process of getting themselves into top-top shape. To succeed in boxing (and in life), you must be willing to do everything it takes. The trainers also must demonstrate a deep love for the sport and their students. Honor, integrity, and heart are integral to the operation, which helps keep everyone safe. Decatur Boxing Club brings out the best in each of its boxers.
To get started at Decatur Boxing Club, one needs to assess their goals: are you interested in fights, or simply looking to get in shape? Then, a plan will be crafted. Group classes are an excellent jumping off point, incorporating boxing drills, footwork, hitting the hand pads, and jump rope. The Sugar Ray Rope Slap, coined by Sugar Ray Robinson, is the warm-up that starts every class. Music is key, so one can tap into the high-energy rhythm while demonstrating speed, timing, and footwork, resulting in a killer cardio workout. Biggs has many parents bring their children to the gym for classes, and he is passionate about the positive impacts boxing training can have on youth. The rituals involved build good physical conditioning while developing character and confidence.
When asked what boxing offers that other sports don’t, Biggs immediately replies, “Everything.” A true full-body workout, boxing requires high-level capabilities across the gamut, which explains why professionals from all other disciplines turn to boxing in their training regimen. Biggs has trained professional football, basketball, and tennis players. The abilities that boxing sharpens bring incomparable benefits; it enhances your timing, coordination, balance, and speed. You’ll perform better in your chosen sport by integrating boxing’s impressive combination of grace and strength. Biggs’ boxing gym is raw, real, and performs at the highest level. Stepping into the space feels like turning back in time, where the love of the sport supersedes modern comforts, and a true community has been built. Push yourself to your physical limits and walk away with a greater outlook on life at Decatur Boxing Club.
“Boxing changed my life.”