Boxing in Dubai: The Top Boxing Gyms and How to Get Started With The Right Boxing Coach
Boxing is undoubtedly one of the most intense and challenging sports out there. But it's also one of the most rewarding! If you're looking for a great workout and want to learn a skill that can help you defend yourself, boxing is the sport for you. This blog post will talk about the top boxing gyms in Dubai and how you can get started with this fantastic sport.
What are the best boxing gyms in Dubai?
There are many great boxing gyms in Dubai, but some of our favorites include:
TK MMA
TK MMA is a large commercial gym that includes a boxing ring and offers group classes and private lessons. This is a great place to learn the basics of boxing and get a great workout.
The edge TK MMA has over most gyms in Dubai is a vast outdoor area you can use during the year but enjoy only during the winter months! Pro MMA fighter Tam Khan opened this gym with a vision to make it the best martial arts gym in Dubai! TK MMA has an MMA octagon and boxing ring so that you can try out MMA, kickboxing, and boxing sessions.
Location: Dubai Media City
Lucky's Sports Club
Lucky's is a boutique gym that specializes in body transformation programs, health and wellness programs, and boxing! The gym is divided into two areas, the first being a general gym area with free weights and machines and the second being a boxing ring with a free space with boxing bags.
The owner Marko and the rest of the team at Lucky's Sports Club are passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals, and they offer various services to help you achieve your dreams!
Location: Al Quoz, 5min from Mall of Emirates
Strong Combat
Strong Combat is a gym designated for martial arts sports! They have a boxing ring, octagon, and lots of free space for boxing, kickboxing, and even jiu-jitsu! The owner Mark Body, the strongest man in UAE, has been very passionate about martial arts since a young age! Besides Strong Combat, Mark also owns Strong Gym, which specializes in strong man training.
Location: Al Quoz, 5 min from Mall of Emirates
If you need help finding a good boxing trainer for one-on-one sessions or if you want to join boxing classes, you can reach out to us here! You can also give us a call at +971561616213 or email: info@fortiusdubai.com.
UFC Gym
The UFC GYM brand offers members access to a state-of-the-art facility devoted to martial arts. A celebrity UFC fighter, trainer, or other world-renowned martial arts athlete will often pop in for a session themselves.
UFC gym offers:
boxing classes
kickboxing classes
1-on-1 martial arts sessions
Location: JBR and Business Bay
Interviews with some of the best boxing coaches in Dubai
Alympic Ivan
How did you get into boxing?
I entered into the boxing realm quite frankly by accident in 2007! It was a call from my friend Dragan Ignjatovic who opened a boxing b called Serbian Fighter in Belgrade, Serbia.
He helped me a lot at the start of my journey as a boxing coach!
Have you worked with some professional boxers?
I have worked with at least 100 clients; some were state champions in different categories of amateur and professional boxing in Serbia.
In Serbia, I have worked with a few celebrities as well, but In my eyes, I don't care who you are. As long as you have the will to learn and give your best, we will get along great!
In Dubai, I work with general population clients and as an assistant coach with competitors like Junior Messie and Austine Nnamdi.
I am also currently taking sign-ups for boxing classes at Lucky's gym in Al Quoz.
Who are your favorite boxers of all time?
This is a tough one as my list is pretty long, and I would be embarrassed to leave out some of the greats, haha!
So here it goes by no specific sequence:
Cezar Chavez
Juan Manuel Marquez
James Toney
Larry Holmes
Mike Tyson and many more!
What would be your advice to someone who would want to start boxing training but is a bit hesitant?
I would say, don't hesitate to try. We don't bite! No, jokes aside, boxing is a great way to remove negative energy, learn a new skill, improve your focus and cardiovascular health, become more explosive, and become a better human!
Milos Popovik
Milos has been in the martial arts world for the past 15 years. Since moving to Dubai, he has taught boxing and kickboxing!
Milos has experience in offering 1-on-1 sessions as well as semi-private lessons. He also likes to include a strength training workout in his client's weekly workout program.
"My goal is to make every single one of my students better than me. I'm trying to instill the love for martial arts in every single one of them."- Personal Trainer and Martial Arts Coach Milos Popovik.
How did you get into boxing?
I used to train in kickboxing. That was a time when K1 was popular with fighters such as Mirko Cro Cop, Ramy Bonyaski, etc.(2009)
Until my coach, Redzep Redzepovski, an ex-silver Olympic medalist, invited me for a boxing class. That was a game-changer for me.
Have you worked with professional boxers?
I have worked with professional boxers and amateurs! I love working with professionals, but training ordinary people is also fulfilling. Seeing people progress no matter what level they are is fantastic!
In Dubai, I have worked with more than 100 clients aged 5-50 years, male and female.
Who are your favorite boxers of all time?
There are so many that have impacted my career. However, Ali, Tyson, and Fraser have a special place at the top of that list due to their fighting styles!
What are the main benefits of boxing training?
Boxing lessons offer multiple benefits to both your physical and mental health:
improved coordination
increased cardiovascular capacity
skill development (self-defense being one of them)
better focus
improved self-confidence
weight loss
How do professional boxers train?
Professional boxers combine different types of training with helping improve their overall performance! They need to focus both on skill development and physical preparation.
For skill development, professional boxers will spend time working on:
footwork
punching technique
defensive technique
shadow boxing
For physical preparation, boxers will engage in:
sparring sessions (this is when they fight another person)
heavy bag work
shadow boxing
jump rope
assault bike
plyometrics
ladder work (quick feet)
strength training
The crucial thing to note here is that the goal of the physical preparation is to make the boxer able to fight for long periods without tiring and help them recover quickly between rounds.
The round lasts for three minutes, and there is one minute of rest between rounds, so the boxers need to be able to fight for 12 minutes without tiring.
What should I wear to boxing training?
For your first few sessions, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily. Avoid wearing too loose clothes as they can get in the way when you are trying to throw punches.
Once you have decided that boxing is something you would like to pursue further, you will need to invest in some proper boxing equipment. This includes:
gloves
hand wraps
mouthguard
headgear
What is the difference between professional and amateur boxing?
The main differences between professional and amateur boxing are:
In professional boxing, fights are usually held in a ring that is 20 feet square, while amateur fights are held in a ring that is 16 feet square.
Professional fights are usually held over 12 rounds, while amateur fights are held over three or four.
Professional boxers are allowed to use Boxing gloves that weigh between eight and 16 ounces, while amateur boxers must use gloves that weigh between ten and 12 ounces.
Professional fights are held with three judges scoring the bout, while amateur fights only have two judges.
Want to find out whether kickboxing is more suitable for you? Check out our latest blog on kickboxing. Click here to access it! (link to kickboxing blog)
Can't find a good martial arts coach?
Don't worry; we got your back! You can now book your free consultation with us so that we can find the best personal trainer for your specific needs! Whether you want to join boxing classes, a pro to help you improve your boxing skills, or perhaps you want to inquire about gym access to a place where you could practice boxing by yourself, we can help you out!
Some common questions and answers
Which country invented boxing?
The first country to ever practice boxing was Greece. In ancient Greece, boxing was popular, and both men and women practiced it. The first recorded boxing match took place in 2350 BC between two men from the city-state of Elis.
When did boxing become an Olympic sport?
Boxing became an official Olympic sport in 1904. It was not included in the 1912 Olympics because the organizers felt it was too brutal. However, it was reinstated in the 1920 Olympics and has been included in every Olympics since then. There are some concerns that it might not be a part of the Olympic games in 2028 in Los Angeles.
Who is the most famous boxer of all time?
The most famous boxer of all time is Muhammad Ali. He was an American boxer who won the heavyweight title three times. He is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time.
How did boxing evolve?
The first recorded boxing match took place in England in 1681. The rules were different back then, and the boxers fought until one of them was knocked out or couldn't continue anymore. In 1867, the Marquess of Queensberry rules were introduced, and these are the rules that are still used today.
How much do boxing lessons cost in Dubai?
The price of boxing lessons can carry anywhere between 200-600aed per lesson. Boxing is usually priced higher than personal training because it is more challenging for the trainer and is considered a unique skill development activity.
What are the most popular martial arts sports in Dubai?
The most popular martial arts sports in Dubai are Karate, Kickboxing, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Middle East is becoming a hub for martial arts, with many international tournaments and championships hosted in Dubai.
Check this section if you want to find out more about:
Personal Training - Fortius
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you want to get fit, learn self-defense, or become a professional boxer, Dubai has a lot to offer! With so many different gyms and trainers available, you are sure to find the perfect place for you. And if you need any help, our team at Fortius is always happy to assist!