‘The Fight Ain’t Over’: Sean Eklund, Micky Ward Expand Box2Burn Gym in MA

“For the expansion, I wanted to offer boxing in a modern, upscale setting with top-of-the-line equipment and amenities, from our lighting and sound system to our recovery lounge.”

Along with Eklund’s refined approach to the 21st-century boxing gym, one other feature makes Box2Burn truly unique: the regular presence of Ward. Portrayed by Mark Wahlberg in the 2010 movie The Fighter, Ward is best remembered for his early 2000s trilogy of tenacity with Arturo “Thunder” Gatti. He is the only living boxer to have been in three consecutive Ring magazine Fights of the Year, a feat not accomplished since the 1950s.

Ward’s presence makes Box2Burn a bucket-list destination for boxing fans, and he is sought after for private training. Ward also sports a popular clothing line, and his likeness now graces the gym walls, thanks to a mural by local artist Jay Mac. Despite the fame and attention, Ward remains good-humored and humble. Twice a week, he co-teaches open boxing classes, happily going over the fundamentals with newcomers, some who’ve never put on gloves before. “You’re giving yourself so many rewards walking into this gym,” says Ward. “Giving yourself health, learning to defend yourself. You’re becoming part of a community of people who show an incredible amount of respect for each other and for the sport. Everybody’s welcomed here, right from day one.”

Throughout the week, Box2Burn’s crew of trainers (Eklund himself, alongside Anthony Cusano, Leslie Serrano, Mike Sullivan, and Ethan Pallian) teach classes and offer private sessions. Each trainer has fought in sanctioned bouts, bringing their distinct personality and style to Box2Burn’s diverse clientele. But it’s not just the trainers who’ve competed in the ring.

Box2Burn regularly sends fighters to local charity fight nights. There are currently three members training to participate in Punch4Parkinson’s, a Boston-based charity that connects people affected by Parkinson’s and MS with local boxing programs. The program is run by Ryan Roach, nephew of legendary trainer Freddie Roach. The fighters raise money for the charity, and they participate in sanctioned amateur bouts.

Brian McGlone, a Tax Examiner who has also been a member of Box2Burn for four years, will be going into his first amateur bout this December. “Stepping into the ring was never something I envisioned for myself. Witnessing the dedication Sean and Micky put into not just those training for charity fights but everyone who walks through the doors at Box2Burn made me feel confident in signing up for Punch4Parkinson’s. Preparing for a fight is about far more than just learning how to throw a punch. And they’re with you every step of the way.”

While commercial gyms have invaded practically every street corner and shopping mall with their prefab enthusiasm and cookie-cutter circuits, Box2Burn stands out for its passion, purpose, and respect for boxing traditions. Eklund understands that respecting tradition means not allowing it to go stale, and he has done the difficult work of driving his gym forward, updating it with modern approaches to recovery and fitness. Like a good training program, tradition is about growth and evolution. It is about the future.

At Box2Burn, the future is in good hands.