Sam's Gym

Sam’s Gym in Glouster, Ohio February 5 and 7, 2024. The boxing gym was opened by Sam’s father and grandfather in 1936 as the coal mining business was at its peak in the South Eastern Ohio region. Sam (left) is now 83, and runs the free gym every Monday and Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. for the public. “I’ve played the sports, but there’s nothing like boxing. You fall down and you have to get back up. There’s no choice. Teaches you about life.” (Sam Jones)

Alex Goodin rests in the corner of the boxing ring as Justin "Mighty Peanut" Sayers walks toward him at Sam's Gym in Glouster, Ohio, February 5, 2024. The weekend prior, Feb. 3, Sayers won $1000 in his weightclass at a boxing competition.

Darrell Dugan pauses while practicing jabs on a punching bag at Sam's Gym in Glouster, Ohio, Jan. 7, 2024. Dugan has been attending the gym for over 60 years, both coaching and practicing himself. He was one of Sam's first students whom he taught when he was 11.

Benjamin Harris dodges a jab by Dameon Lavely at Sam's Gym, Glouster, Ohio, Feb. 7, 2024.

Alex Goodin and Tarran Blackstone practice sparring at Sam's Gym in Glouster, Ohio, Feb. 5, 2024.

Will "The Werm" MacMillan practices the basic punches with Sam Jones, owner of Sam's Gym in Glouster, Ohio Feb. 5, 2024. The weekend prior, Feb. 3, MacMillan won $1000 in his weightclass at a boxing competition along with another Sam's Gym frequenter, Justin "Mighty Peanut" Sayers. Will has come to the gym for years, and says, "Yeah, it's saved me a couple times. It's like a second home to me. You know, it's all over the walls, but Sam wants to teach you to be a champion in life. It's corny, but it's true. This place has saved me."