HISTORY

Developed in 1993 by Percy “Buster” Custus to be safe-haven for youth in his neighborhood, the James Shuler Memorial Boxing Gym is more than just a gym. Over the years, it has become a positive environment for fighters of all levels and ages to achieve their personal goals through mental and physical fitness, discipline, and intelligence.

 

The gym is named after a friend of Buster's and a promising professional boxer, James “Black Gold” Shuler, who was 22-1 with 16 KOs and the title of Pan Am Champion at his untimely death, tragically killed in a motorcycle accident shortly after losing his biggest fight to Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns in 1986. He was known for being a gentle giant and faithfully served his community and family until his death. Buster, with the approval of the Shuler family, opened the James Shuler Memorial Boxing Gym to continue Shuler's legacy. 

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Since opening, the gym has gained a reputation of producing distinguished professional fighters and champion amateurs. Many have called the Shuler Gym home, including greats like Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins, "Big" Mike Grant, "Terrible" Tim Witherspoon, "Fast" Eddie Chambers and Steve "USS" Cunningham. Our current roster of stellar fighters include Julian “J-Rock” Williams, Steven “Scooter” Fulton, Rasheen Brown (2x National Silver Gloves Champion) and Atif Olberton (2x National Golden Gloves Champion).

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