Underground Boxing and Fitness Club in Brooklyn shows 4.8 from 213 reviews, and its five written reviews split sharply between one extremely serious allegation of physical assault by a coach and multiple detailed, positive accounts of a welcoming, family-oriented gym.
A Serious Allegation of Physical Assault
Romanio's review, from March 2025, describes a specific, severe incident: he says that after a verbal disagreement with the head coach over a comment his friend made about a flag displayed in the gym, he was forcibly removed with no shoes on, and alleges the coach grabbed him by the neck, later punched him in the jaw when he tried to retrieve his belongings, and threw his bag and shoes away in front of other members and children present. He explicitly advises against sending a child to this gym. I'd flag this directly and take it seriously: this is a specific, detailed allegation of physical violence by a named role, the head coach, not a vague complaint, and I would treat it as a serious safety concern worth investigating directly with the gym, or verifying through other sources, before enrolling a child here, regardless of how many other reviews are positive.
A Detailed, Positive Account of a Child's Experience
J L's review, from January 2026, describes a starkly different experience: "My 10 year old daughter started about a month now and she loves it. My wife and I previously tried to help her find a sport or activity hoping it ignites into a passion, her entire life. Tennis, cooking, swimming, basketball, the list goes on! The connection was immediate. Not only is she learning a lot about the sport but she is enjoying the workouts and the atmosphere. From day one she was forming connections with other students, something she at times struggles with, and is finding community. Our experience here has surpassed our every expectation." I'd weigh this recent, detailed, positive account directly against Romanio's allegation, since both describe the same gym roughly ten months apart, and neither can be dismissed simply because the other exists.
Detailed Accounts of Named Coaches and an Inclusive Atmosphere for Women
Leona Mesishcheva's review names specific coaches directly: "Underground Boxing is an amazing boxing gym with a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The coaches, Ilya and Natalia, are skilled, patient, and encouraging, making it a great place for all skill levels, whether you're a beginner or experienced fighter. As a female I feel so comfortable and included in this sport, I found girls who are just as passionate and hardworking towards their goals." I'd note that this account specifically addresses feeling safe and included as a woman in the sport, which is worth weighing alongside the safety concern raised elsewhere in this set.
Additional Positive Accounts of Coaching Quality
Zukhriddin Makhkamov's review describes the group classes as teaching solid boxing foundations for all levels and ages, praising the coaches as well experienced and trained. Naz Forever's review, from June 2026, the most recent in this set, describes ongoing satisfaction and an excellent coach.
What's Missing
Nothing here independently verifies Romanio's specific allegation, though it's serious enough that I'd want to confirm directly with the gym, or check for other independent reports, before making a decision, especially for a child. Nothing here confirms whether the coach involved in that incident is still employed at the gym as of the more recent, positive reviews.
Who It's Not For
Anyone who isn't comfortable proceeding without independently verifying a serious safety allegation first, given one detailed, specific complaint involving alleged physical violence by the head coach. Anyone who needs the incident's outcome confirmed before enrolling a child, since no follow-up review here addresses it directly.
609 Avenue X, Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA. The phone number is +1 718-758-5959, and the website is undergroundboxingny.com. Hours are Sunday and Saturday 11:00-13:00, Monday-Friday 08:00-22:00.
FAQ
Is there a serious safety concern on record?
Yes. At least one reviewer describes a specific, serious allegation of physical assault by the head coach, which I'd recommend confirming directly with the gym before enrolling, especially for a child.
Who are the named coaches?
Ilya and Natalia are named directly by at least one reviewer as skilled, patient coaches, alongside references to a head coach in a separate, more critical review.
Is the gym welcoming to women?
Yes, according to at least one reviewer specifically, who describes feeling comfortable and included as a female boxer here.
Is this a good option for children?
Reviews are mixed on this specific point. Multiple reviewers describe genuinely positive experiences for children, while one reviewer specifically advises against it based on a serious incident he describes.