Premier Boxing Classes on Long Island
I Can. I Will. End of Story.
This isn’t just a motto; it’s the ethos that permeates every square inch of our gym and the spirit of every class we offer. At Kayo Boxing, where we offer top rated boxing classes on Long Island, excuses find no room. All we see are potential champions – individuals ready to conquer challenges and break barriers.
Offering the best boxing classes on long island for two decades
For more than two decades, Kayo Boxing has been more than just great boxing classes on Long Island; it’s been a temple of learning and transformation. While we teach the fundamentals of Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai, our approach transcends mere techniques. Everyone, regardless of age or background, gets to experience a fighter’s workout. Whether you’re a seasoned boxer or just stepping into the world of martial arts, beginners always find a welcoming corner at Kayo Boxing. With dedicated classes for men, women, and children, we make sure that everyone in the Long Island community has a chance to harness the power of martial discipline.
Your Goals: Tailored Boxing Training for Every Aspiration
At Kayo Boxing, we recognize the uniqueness of each individual’s goals and aspirations. Whether you’re here for fitness, self-defense, or the pure love of the sport, we have a class perfectly tailored for you. Dive deep into the realms of Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, or challenge yourself with our intensive Boot Camp and Group Classes. Opt for Private Training if you seek a more personalized touch. And if you’re not into sparring or the idea of getting hit, don’t fret! It’s always optional. Equip yourself with our top-of-the-line facilities, from jump ropes and heavy bags to speed bags and focus pads, ensuring your training is diverse and effective.
Our Trainers: A Commitment to Excellence
Training under the roof of Kayo Boxing isn’t just about learning the ropes; it’s about learning from the best. Our facility proudly boasts of being USA Boxing certified, a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality. Here, you don’t just train; you train alongside the crème de la crème. Our trainers, with their vast experience and dedication, ensure that every punch you throw, every kick you land, is a step closer to perfection. If you’re looking for the best boxing classes on Long Island, come join us at Kayo Boxing!
Michael Corleone
Jay Lippa
Domenic Corleone
Luigi Ciotoli
Gianluca Lavignani
Meet Our Founder
Michael Corelone
U.S.K.B.A. UNITED STATES MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMP
My First Fight
My first fight was against the National Puerto Rican champion, Roberto Mercedes. I stepped in as a last-minute replacement. Just three weeks before the bout, trainer Mike Cruz approached me, asking if I wanted to earn some money by fighting. When he told me about the match, I saw it as an opportunity to make a name for myself. Up to that point, I hadn’t participated in any amateur fights. However, I was nearing 23 and felt it was time to take a leap of faith. I wanted to know if I had the mettle to become a champion.
In the first round, I began strongly, landing solid blows that caused Roberto to double over. However, as he rose, the back of his head unintentionally connected with my nose, breaking it within the first minute. Despite the setback, I managed to regroup, and by the fourth round, I scored a knockdown with a swift side kick to his mid-section. Throughout the bout, I maintained the upper hand. Given that I was fighting in Puerto Rico against their champion, I didn’t want to leave the outcome in the hands of the judges. As the fight progressed to the sixth round, with just 15 seconds left, I delivered a left hook that not only ended the match but, as of now, also marked the end of Roberto Mercedes’ career.
Keeping My Legacy
I went on to fight two more times in Puerto Rico, achieving knockouts in both bouts. After that, I returned to my hometown, New York, to advance my boxing career. In August ’96, someone from the kickboxing world approached me, offering a chance to reclaim the acclaim I once had. I was aware that this time there was more at stake.
Four years prior, I had entered the ring as an unknown with no experience, set against a champion. Everyone expected me to lose. Now, as a seasoned professional, the expectations had shifted; I was anticipated to win. Any loss would only confirm the critics who labeled me a one-time wonder. Fueled by this pressure, I trained even more intensely. My comeback fight was against Carlos Mercado. The first round began tentatively as we sized each other up. However, halfway through, after a brief entanglement, Carlos unleashed a three-punch combo on my face. The period of mutual caution had ended. I gestured to Carlos, signaling my intent to take him down.
My next strike, a left hook, connected with the top of Mercado’s head, causing his knees to buckle as he fell to the canvas. The round’s bell sounded shortly after, pushing the fight to the second round. Within the first five seconds of round two, Carlos Mercado met a fate similar to my previous three opponents: he was floored by a straight right. This punch, as it had with Roberto Mercedes, not only concluded the bout but, as of the latest accounts, also marked the end of Mercado’s career.
Moving Onward
I’ve secured five titles across three different weight classes. Yet, the journey hasn’t been all glitz and glamor. I’ve experienced my fair share of setbacks. However, the true mark of a champion isn’t gauged by their accolades but by their resilience in the face of adversity. In 1997, I squared off against the world-ranked middleweight contender, John Kenny, who stood at 6’2″ and weighed 160 pounds. Regrettably, I didn’t prepare as thoroughly as I should have and came up short in a contentious split decision. But just four months later, we faced off once more, this time in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The naysayers were quick to question my authenticity, but the outcome silenced them — the judges unanimously declared me the victor, marking it as a near shutout. This bout secured me the Northeast middleweight title.
However, with time, I grew complacent, often satisfied with mere decision victories. This attitude caught up with me when I encountered a skilled kicker named Tommy Bottone. My lack of proper preparation, coupled with distractions and underestimating my opponent, led me to another defeat. But as I’ve emphasized before, one’s true measure isn’t in their successes, but in their ability to rebound from setbacks. This loss is a wrong I fully intend to right.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that beyond the ring, I’ve dedicated myself to nurturing the next generation of fighters. Michael has been rigorously training and inspiring individuals of all ages for the past 20 years at his top-rated gym, Kayo Boxing, located in Long Island.