Heavy Hitta's boxers brought back three awards from the Mid-Atlantic Boxing Tournament Jan. 15 to Feb. 5.

It was a celebration at last night’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting. Heavy Hitta’s founders Rick Terrell and Lonnie Haile brought in a proud group of boxers to announce their latest accomplishments.

Four of the group’s fighters registered to fight in the Mid-Atlantic Boxing Tournament, a city-wide tournament held every year at Front Street. Boxing Gym. Three of those fighters brought back trophies and medals. The tournament was a precurser for the Regional Boxing Tournament, Golden Gloves and Olympic Trials. continue reading »

Lonnie Haile helps one of his pupil's footwork. Photo by Laura D'Alfonso.

In part two of a two-part series, NEast Philly examines what goes into making an athletic association successful, and what two neighborhoods are doing to keep kids active. Read part one

With one of the more unique community athletics offerings in the Northeast, Heavy Hitta’s Boxing in Lawncrest has rapidly grown since the days in which its members sparred on the open field behind Lawncrest Recreation Center.

The swift advance speaks to not only the dedication of the club’s coaches and members, but to the neighborhood’s desire for a strong community sports representation. The club’s boxers are training vigorously for Fists Full of Dynamite, an Independence Day weekend boxing tournament to be held within Rec Center.

Founded by club president Rick Terrell in late 2009, Heavy Hitta’s Boxing moved from the field to the clubhouse just this past May. Terrell admits that the club nearly happened accidentally. continue reading »

Photo by Jennifer Reardon

The Heavy Hitta’s Boxing Club, located at 6000 Rising Sun Ave. in Lawncrest, had a boxing exhibition and gospel performance Tuesday night.

The newly formed boxing club was hoping to showcase its boxers and advertise its new club to the Lawncrest locals — all while supporting a good cause.

Chief Executive Officer Rick Terrell, 35, and his right-hand man, Chief Operating Officer Lonnie Haile, 42, met and started the club back in July 2009.   continue reading »