Ike & Randy’s Boxing Gym in Paterson, NJ, provides hope in a city plagued by violent crime.Phil Shevack opened the gym in 1993 to give kids a better option than the streets and the gym has become a safe space for young people to build confidence and boxing skills. Fighters like 19-year-old Erik Mendez are training hard for their future. But Ike & Randy’s is more than a gym, its a community. From the youth to the trainers, it’s a lifeline to many who enter.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez, a Golden Gloves champion, trains for his next fight at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym in Paterson.
Co-founder Phil Shevack opens the gate at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym, located at 98 Park Avenue in Paterson, New Jersey. It remains one of only two boxing gyms left in Paterson, dedicated space for young boxers to train and master the art of boxing.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez, a Golden Gloves champion, trains for his next fight at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym in Paterson.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez, a Golden Gloves champion, trains for his next fight at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym in Paterson.
Phil Shevack trains 19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez, a Golden Gloves champion, trains for his next fight at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym in Paterson.
Phil Shevack trains 19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez, a Golden Gloves champion, trains for his next fight at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym in Paterson.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez, a Golden Gloves champion, trains for his next fight at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym in Paterson.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez, a Golden Gloves champion poses for a photo at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym in Paterson.
Cary Schwartz works out at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym, As one of only two remaining boxing gyms in Paterson, the gym offers a dedicated space for young boxers to train and master the art of boxing.
Cary Schwartz works out at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym, As one of only two remaining boxing gyms in Paterson, the gym offers a dedicated space for young boxers to train and master the art of boxing.
Trainer Ozzie Duran watches as 19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez spars with Ramon Ordonez
Trainer Ron Rasul Bacote helps fighter Erik Mendez take off his headgear after sparring
Co-founder Phil Shevack walks through the gym at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym
Trainer Ron Rasul Bacote works with 14-year-old Ashanti Bailey of Paterson under the watchful eye of Phil Shevack
Trainer Ron Rasul Bacote works with 14-year-old Ashanti Bailey of Paterson.
A young fighter “Adrian” (no last name given) 10, jumps rope while training at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym. As one of only two remaining boxing gyms in Paterson, the gym offers a dedicated space for young boxers to train and master the art of boxing, and keep fit.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez prepares for his next fight.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez prepares for his next fight.
Alexander Cotto, 24, from Camden stopped in to say hi and pay respects at Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym. Cotto was in recovery living at Eva's kitchen a few years ago when he discovered the gym and was turned on to boxing. Although he's not currently fighting, but he says boxing is not just a sport. It's a lifestyle.
Mailbox for Ike and Randy's Boxing Gym on Park Ave in Paterson’s gritty 5th Ward. As one of only two remaining boxing gyms in Paterson, the gym offers a dedicated space for young boxers to train and master the art of boxing.
A young boxer from Ike & Randy's gym sits in his corner in between rounds at the True Warriors Boxing gym in Paterson.
A young boxer from Ike & Randy's gym gets coaching his corner in between rounds at the True Warriors Boxing gym in Paterson.
Boxer Erik Mendez hold his daughter Isabella while waiting for his fight at the True Warriors Boxing gym in Paterson.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez watches a fight while waiting for his fight at the True Warriors Boxing gym in Paterson.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez battles his opponent Josue Lopez at the True Warrior gym.
Erik Mendez’s mother Ana Mendez and his fiancé Joselyn Cano record his fight at the True Warrior gym.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez battles his opponent Josue Lopez under the US Flag at the True Warrior gym.
Young boxer Erik Mendez show his disappointment in his performance with trainer Ken DeBerry after his fight at True Warriors gym.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez re-watches his fight recorded on a smartphone by his fiancé Joselyn Cano after his fight at the True Warrior gym. The decision was later reversed, when an error was discovered on the judge’s scorecard. He was later ruled the winner.
19-year-old boxer Erik Mendez raises his arm after his fight at the True Warrior gym. Initially, it was ruled that he lost the fight, but the decision was later reversed, when an error was discovered on the judge’s scorecard.