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Haverhill Downtown Boxing announces grand opening and free youth programming March 22
Summary
Raymond Hebert of Haverhill Downtown Boxing and champion boxer Nikki Tejada described the club's free youth programs and said the gym will hold an open house Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The group said donations are welcome and provided a Facebook page and mailing address for contributions.
Raymond Hebert, founder of Haverhill Downtown Boxing, told the City Council on March 18 that the club will host a public grand opening and open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at its new location on River Street.
Hebert described the nonprofit gym as a free resource for inner-city youth that emphasizes fitness, discipline and academic accountability. He said many attendees do not compete in matches but use the club for supervised after‑school activity and training.
Why it matters: Councilors praised the program’s role serving young people who “fall through the cracks,” welcomed the presence of a regional champion and highlighted volunteers and donors who helped the club move into a larger 5,000-square-foot space.
Key details from Hebert and supporters: Hebert said the gym moved into a River Street location after a building sale forced a search for new space; volunteers and donors, including the Coswell Club and local supporters, helped fund improvements. He identified the gym mailing address for donations as 110 North Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830, and said the club maintains a Facebook page with a donate button. Hebert said donations are appreciated but not required and reiterated that youth participation is free. He introduced Nikki Tejada, who he said won the New England welterweight championship in September and serves as a role model for younger members.
Councilors including Vice President Jordan and Councilor McGonigal praised Hebert’s work. Jordan described the gym as both a place to box and a broader workout center that helps kids with discipline and school‑work expectations. McGonigal and Councilor Hobbs Everett thanked Hebert for his commitment to neighborhood youth. Hebert also noted the mayor’s support and volunteers who stepped in when the building owner put the old site on the market.
Logistics: Hebert gave the new address as 371 River Street and confirmed the open-house date and time, and Gail de Gregory provided instructions for donations (Facebook donate button or checks mailed to the boxing club at 110 North Ave). Hebert said the club does not charge youth to participate.
Ending: Councilors thanked Hebert and urged attendance at the Saturday open house.
