LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX NEWS) \u2014 The “House of Best Kept Secrets” boxing gym is drawing national attention after a standout performance on a big stage in amateur boxing.<\/p>\n
The gym recently sent three fighters to a national competition and returned home with two nationally ranked athletes and one national champion.<\/p>\n
Assistant coach and co-owner Alfredo Gonzalez said Keaon Taylor’s championship victory is putting both the fighter and the gym on the national radar.<\/p>\n
“I’m very proud of Keaon for winning the whole thing,” Gonzalez said. “That’s very impressive because now it puts him on notice to, you know, OK, who’s this Kentucky boy?”<\/p>\n
But inside the gym, coaches say trophies are only part of the mission.<\/p>\n
Gonzalez describes the facility as a place where athletes can escape life’s pressures, develop discipline and prepare mentally for challenges both inside and outside the ring.<\/p>\n
For Taylor, boxing has been life-changing.<\/p>\n
“When I was 21, I was very a different person than I am now,” Taylor said. “It helped me with discipline. It gives me something to do. I love it. I don’t think I could stop boxing.”<\/p>\n
Athletes say the gym offers much more than training. It’s a place to learn new skills, find support and form lasting connections.<\/p>\n
“This is everything,” said boxer Daniel Ovando, who also competed at nationals. “This is my family, you know, my friends, everybody coming here and you just feel connected with everybody.”<\/p>\n
Taylor believes his championship is only the beginning.<\/p>\n
“I’m the first of many national champions in the gym,” he said. “We’re gonna have more for sure.”<\/p>\n
Gonzalez hopes the gym’s success also helps change perceptions about boxing.<\/p>\n
“We understand that a lot of people kind of fear boxing gyms,” Gonzalez said. “It’s not that place. We’re very welcoming. We’ll teach you.”<\/p>\n
While the recent national success is a milestone, the gym is already focused on its next challenge: the USA Boxing National Championships in Louisiana this December.<\/p>\n
For coaches and athletes, the goal extends beyond championships and rankings.<\/p>\n
The trophies matter, but members say the real mission is creating champions in life.<\/p>\n