South Jordan, Utah — For many kids walking through the doors of Fullmer Brothers Boxing Gym, it’s not just about learning to throw a punch — it’s about finding discipline, safety, and self-worth.
The community gym, which has been offering free boxing lessons since 1978, continues to change the lives of at-risk youth across Utah, providing more than a training space — it’s a second home.
A Fighter’s Beginning
When 10-year-old Tanner Gurule first joined the gym, he was struggling in school. Bullied for wearing glasses, Tanner often ended up in fights and trips to the principal’s office. His parents, desperate to channel his energy positively, brought him to Fullmer Brothers Boxing.
Now 22, Tanner remembers the first time he stepped into the old gym. “It smelled like blood and sweat,” he laughed. “My dad looked around and said, ‘This is the place for you.’”
That decision changed Tanner’s life. “By the time seventh grade hit, I had a new confidence,” he said. “I even won bronze at the Junior Olympics. I dressed different, talked different — it gave me pride and purpose.”
The Fullmer Legacy
Founded by former professional boxers Jay, Gene, and Don Fullmer, the gym started in a backyard on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. Their mission: give back to kids the same way their mentor, Marv Jenson, once helped them.
“They learn self-respect, they learn confidence,” said Larry Fullmer, son of the late middleweight champion Don Fullmer. “We’re not just building boxers — we’re building better people.”
Though the original founders passed away more than a decade ago, their sons, including Larry and Ted Gurule, have carried on the mission through the Fullmer Legacy Foundation.
A Safe Haven for Every Kid
The gym offers far more than a boxing ring. “Most of our kids come from broken homes,” Ted said. “They come here knowing they’re safe. Parents know they’re safe.”
Every class teaches discipline, respect, and structure — traits that often carry into school and home life. Coaches, all volunteers, hold their athletes accountable in and out of the ring. “If a kid’s grades drop, they can’t train until they bring them up,” Larry explained.
Building Champions and Character
While the gym’s focus is personal growth, many athletes go on to excel nationally. Fullmer Brothers has produced several Golden Gloves and USA Boxing champions, including two titleholders in 2025.
And for every punch thrown in the ring, the gym ensures the playing field stays level — all lessons and travel expenses are free, funded through donations and sponsors. “You’d never know who’s poor or rich here,” Ted said. “Everyone’s treated the same.”
A New Home for a Lasting Mission
After decades of moving between borrowed spaces — including a church, a chicken coop, and an equestrian center — the Fullmers finally built a permanent facility.
In May 2025, the organization opened its new 16,500-square-foot gym at 10960 S. Park Road in South Jordan. The state-of-the-art facility features a regulation boxing ring, weight room, cardio stations, and even a small museum honoring the Fullmer family’s professional careers.
The gym also includes a homework center, complete with computers and tutoring programs. “We want kids to grow in every way — not just physically,” Larry said.
The project, funded by state and private contributions, is still raising the final $1 million of its $7 million goal. But the facility already stands as a symbol of perseverance — both for the foundation and the kids it serves.
The Results Are Clear
Standing on the gym’s second-floor balcony on opening day, Larry said he was overcome with emotion. “I looked down and saw kids sparring, training, smiling — it hit me that everything we worked for was worth it.”
Thousands of young athletes have trained at Fullmer Brothers over the decades. Many have gone on to become business owners, coaches, or mentors themselves. Some are now bringing their own children back to train.
“The reward for us isn’t money,” Ted said. “It’s seeing these kids grow up, succeed, and come back to say thank you.”
From the Ring to Real Life
As for Tanner, the boy who once struggled with confidence, he’s now aiming for the 2028 Olympics. But beyond medals, he credits the gym for shaping the person he’s become.
“I don’t even want to think about who I’d be without this gym,” he said. “It taught me discipline, pride, and how to keep fighting — not just in the ring, but in life.”
When asked what keeps him motivated, he smiled: “I love putting on my boxing shoes. But I love taking them off even more — because that means I did something right.”
