About Us
What We Do
At Northside Boxing Club, we’re more than a gym – we’re a home. A safe haven where young people find belonging, guidance, and love. Every night, an average of 52 kids step through our doors to train their bodies, feed their minds, and share a free, home-cooked meal together. Through boxing, fitness, and nutrition programs offered five days a week, we teach self-discipline, confidence, compassion, and respect; values that extend far beyond the ring.
Our impact doesn’t stop there. Inside our four walls, youth discover pathways for growth and purpose. They learn the trade of barbering upstairs in the Northside Barbershop, a hub for mentorship, skill-building, and financial literacy. In the Northside Community Garden, they grow their own food, learn sustainability, and take pride in caring for the earth. Together, these programs form a holistic ecosystem of support, empowering our youth to build strength, resilience, and independence in every aspect of life.
By the numbers
Multiple Top
Where We’re Going
After ten years as a pillar of North Minneapolis, Northside Boxing Club continues to grow in reach, in attendance, and in impact. This year marks our highest nightly participation yet, a reflection of both our reputation in the community and the increasing need for safe, enriching spaces for youth.
Through vertical integration with the Northside Barbershop, we’ve expanded our mission beyond boxing to create real-world career pathways and entrepreneurial opportunities within our own four walls. As we continue introducing additional new programs, our vision remains the same: to meet the evolving needs of our city’s youth with love, leadership, and lasting opportunity.
Northside’s story is still being written. Every punch, every meal, and every moment of mentorship moves us closer to the future our kids deserve.
We believe in a North Minneapolis community strengthened by youth who feel nourished, purposeful, and connected.
Meet the Team
Phil “The Drill” Williams
Coach/Instructor
Born in Queens, New York, and raised in Minneapolis, Phil made his professional boxing debut in 2006 after earning an amateur record of 31–4. He went on to achieve a professional record of 15–8–2 with 14 knockouts – currently holding the world record for Fastest Knock-Out in History – before shifting his focus to his lifelong craft as a barber. With over 20 years of experience, Phil now serves as the master barber and manager of the Northside Barbershop, where he continues to bring the same discipline, precision, and mentorship that defined his career in the ring.
Moe “The African Assassin” Marciano Kayongo
Coach/Instructor
Born and raised in Uganda, Moe began boxing at just 13 years old in a makeshift gym, igniting a passion that would carry him across continents. After spending three years in Manchester, England, he moved to the United States in 2003, living in several states before making Minnesota his home. With an impressive amateur record of 279–9, Moe is a five-time national champion, 2002 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, and 2000 Africa Olympic Games qualifier quarterfinalist. As a professional, he earned a record of 19 wins (14 by knockout), 5 losses, and 1 draw, and became a World Boxing Federation International Champion. Today, Moe channels his lifelong dedication into coaching, serving as a mentor who leads with love, discipline, and a deep commitment to helping others grow both in and out of the ring.
Abdul Wadud
Coach/Instructor
Abdul grew up in Minneapolis and joined the United States Navy after graduating high school, where he developed the discipline and commitment that continue to shape his life today. Now, he shares those same values with the youth of North Minneapolis through his physical fitness training at Northside Boxing Club, helping them build strength, confidence, and focus. Outside the gym, Abdul expresses his creativity through photography—capturing the heart and energy of the Northside community, with many of the photos featured on our website taken by him.
Carla Williams
Chef
Carla first came to Northside Boxing Club to support her two sons, who were drawn to boxing and the mentorship the gym provides. What began as a mother’s support quickly became a calling—one of her sons is now among the top boxers in his age group nationwide, and Carla herself has become a cornerstone of our community. As Northside’s on-staff chef, she prepares homemade, nutritious dinners five nights a week, ensuring every youth who walks through our doors is nourished with a free meal made with care and love.
Join the program
The Youth Boxing Program is free to ages 9 - 21. All classes are drop-in only, so no need to sign up in advance. Training varies and includes boxing drills, technique work, running and strength conditioning. Each session ends with a healthy meal.
Complete the following steps to join our program:
- Print off and fill out our Membership Form at home or complete the form on site.
- If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian for your first visit.
- Arrive at the gym 15 minutes early to complete a release form.