👋 Meet Jorge of Champ's Eastside Boxing

Step inside the ring (and the heart) of Jorge Luis, the man behind Champ’s Eastside Boxing, whose passion has been transforming Cornwall’s youth and community for decades. 🥊❤️

"The Biggest life lesson Boxing has taught me? In your darkest hour....NEVER give up. Just keep going, it will get better."

This week we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Jorge Luis, the driving force behind Champ’s Eastside Boxing in Cornwall. For decades, Jorge has been more than just a coach — he’s been a mentor, a role model, and a lifeline for countless young people in our community.

Jorge’s love for boxing took root early, and after his own career was cut short, he made it his mission to build a “real” boxing club in Cornwall — a place where local youth could chase the dreams and opportunities he never had. Drawing wisdom from some of the sport’s greats, Jorge created not just a gym, but a community.

From unforgettable wins in the ring (like his son Tony’s career-defining fight in Connecticut) to victories outside the ropes (like the young woman who used her training to fight off an attacker), Jorge’s biggest pride comes from seeing people push past their limits, build resilience, and transform their lives. He believes boxing teaches lessons that go far beyond the gym — lessons about perseverance, discipline, facing fear, and never, ever giving up.

It hasn’t been an easy road. Running a boxing gym, Jorge says, is a full-time labor of love that requires deep personal sacrifice — financially, emotionally, and personally. But despite the challenges, he has no regrets. For Jorge, the rewards are in the ripple effects: the confidence, character, and friendships built in his gym that ripple out into the wider community.

Jorge’s vision is clear: boxing isn’t just about medals or titles; it’s about providing young people — from all backgrounds, races, and walks of life — with discipline, direction, and a chance to grow into the best versions of themselves. As Jorge puts it, “We all bleed the same color, and we all win by not giving up.”

👉 As always, we’ll be sharing Jorge’s full interview in his own words for authenticity and transparency — because his powerful stories deserve to be heard straight from him! Watch for the full feature in the newsletter and on our page. 🥊❤️

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Let's hear it from Jorge...

What inspired you to start Champs Eastside Boxing Club, and what has kept you passionate about it all these years?

Cus D"amato used to say" in the end people do what they intended to do all along" Looking back I loved boxing and The thought lingered in my mnd even in my early 20's . Maybe someday I will....maybe one day I like to start a club.....I like to start a real club and do this and this... So the thought was always germinating in the back of my mind, even at a young age. I knew what it took , as I did not achieve what I should have and then my career was cut short at 19 . Due to a Motorcycle accident. I wanted to give this area a REAL boxing club, and give youth that had talent and were serious the Chances I NEVER got. I was very fortunate on my journey that I rubbed shoulders in the ring and out with some of the best boxers in Canada and U.S and best Trainers!!! Guys like the Hilton Family, Russ Anber , Manny Steward, Jesse Reid, and Oaky Dick {Dick Jacobs} I learned from all of them and Martial Arts too. In my 20's and 30's i practiced Karate for 9-10 yrs earning a black belt in 2 styles.. I incorporated a little of that in my program too. Physical and Mindset . Its been a great journey. It was NEVER my Dream for my son to be a pro and fight for a world title. . I was happy he got involved. But He showed natural ability right from the start . And dedication. But I wanted to show that other sport coud be done in Cornwall on a provincial and National level. Not jus hockey. As Cornwall is known or was.....a Hockey town.

You’ve trained so many local boxers, including your son—do you have a favourite moment or memorable fight that still stands out?

As far as a favourite moment. Geez there have been so many.....One that stands out in my mind Is with young Max Bourgon. Max was a natural talent, but would freeze in the ring under the spotlight. He needed to learn to control his emotions. He lost most of his fights at first. But one night in Victoriaville After I warmed him up I simply told him, Dont worry about winning or losing, just fight hard and say screw it!! and go for it!!! what do you have to lose?? cant be worse than before right??? I said it from the heart. And that night something clicked in max's mind and spirit and he unlocked and went for it. And WON!! BIG!!! Power of the mind and spirit.

so many others. Joe Bowman winning first Canadian Championship.....Tony fighting in Cornwall. Bringing it home after years on road, show casing at home against tough opposition, eople dont realize, Never any gimme opponents. But my favourite fight of Tony was against Karl Dargan. in Connecticut. That night Tony Peaked and put everything together in a fight where he was given NO CHANCE. He could have beaten almost anybody THAT NIGHT. He was on fire. And the Crowd was pro American, and as the fight went, it got quiet, and last couple of rounds they were cheering TONY! TONY! At first it was Who The %^%$# is the Canadian Kid?? They Knew after. Tony put it all together. Before we left dressing room he said to me" I dont care if I win or lose, but i am going to hurt this mother, He is going to remember my name" And he did. His words went through me. Same thing that happened with Max Bourgon. Great memories. Hard to beieve we did all that

What’s the biggest life lesson boxing has taught you—and one you always share with your students?

The Biggest life lesson Boxing has taught me? In your darkest hour....NEVER give up. Just keep going, it will get better. Never give up after a loss. Losses make you better, stronger, sharper. Just like life. Never give up. IF you give up, then it will NEVER be better, and you will NEVER KNOW what could have happened. You could have been this or that, But if you lay down and give up, You will never know and it will NEVER HAPPEN. Never give up in ring, on yourself, and in life!!

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"Boxing Clubs have people of all races and religion and creed. It dont matter what color you are. Its what you can do with your yourself and whats inside you that matters."

We know Champs is about more than boxing—can you share a bit about how your gym supports and engages with the Cornwall community?

Well some of our biggest victories are OUTSIDE the ring. I have had people lose tremendous amounts of weight and keep fit for rest of their lives and always use what they learned at the club. Biggest victory?? I had a young lady who never competed but got to the point she could spar 3 rounds in a row. Very pretty girl and gregarious personality. Went off to college out of town. After a party one night she took a cab home. The cabbie took her to a dark uiet place and attempted a sexual assault. She fought back and even though she took her lumps she Did not quit. She kept fighting through pain and exhaustion. Kept hearing { you going to quit ??} she did not. and averted an assault. Banged up, but her dignity intact. gives me tears and goosbumps everytime. Never a victory in the ring, but she is not ruined for life. Impacts community. She is married with kids today. A ripple effect. Boxing Clubs are not just about Boxing. Its about knowing yourself and doing what you never though you could do.. And it carries into your life. Like Martial Art. Real Martial Art. Not Strip mall Martal Art. LOL!!! I am Old School. LOL

What would you say to someone who’s curious about boxing but hasn’t quite had the courage to step into the gym yet?

It takes Courage to step in to a Boxing Club. It can be intimidating. Some put on an act. Tough guy with attitude. Some dont make eye contact. Some have attitude. Cause they are scared and want to show they are tough. But key is to force yourself to step in the door, force yourself to get on the floor and START!! And take the punishment and come back!! Then I know you got something inside you called character. You want to be better and your willing to work hard and willing to listen and learn. But you have to want it inside yourself. The coach simply points you in right direction. You must do it and walk towards the goal. Its all up to you. After a while they make eye contact, they develop self esteem, and ability. They dont have to prove it on street or school ground, because they know they can fight and hurt someone. And THEY KNOW what it is to be hit and how it feels. They learn to control their emotions and face fear, and not let their feelings over whelm them.. They apply this to everything else in their life without always realizing it. But its there. As the old saying goes "its the quiet ones you have to watch" so very true.

What’s something about running a boxing gym that might surprise people who’ve never been in one?

Running a Boxing gym is a full time job. Its hard , and requires sacrfices. You sacrifice personally and Financially. Lose time off work, lots of paper work, Phone Calls, organizing. Its really a full time job. I look back sometimes and I dont know how I did it!!! Having a home, a full time business and the club. Passion and love got me through. Its been frustrating at tmes and stressful for sure. Like dealing with irrate parents and demands of others who dont understand and are not willing to do what you do. But demand more. But its overall been a LABOR OF LOVE. You cant last in Boxing or Martial Art IF you dont love it. Love it or leave it!!! If its for money forget it!!! Most boxing coaches I know as well as Martial Art coaches are separated and divorced. I was very fortunate with Tonys mom. For most part she got it!! and knew and understood. Most women DON'T and simply Cant take what it requires. The time and effort and dedication it requires year after year, week after week, month after month, day in day out. I watch film on boxing EVERY DAY. Evety single day. My girlfriend laughs and says its my PORN habit!!! Maria used to say that too !! LOL Some other women not so much...lol!!! Got asked this question more than once on a dinner dat. "so you train them 3-4 nights a week?? and 1 or 2 weekends a month go away ?? all volunteer?????" i answer "yes" Needless to say there would be no second or 3rd date. LOL!!! Reality. But was for the best in end. But harsh reality for coach. Takes a toll financially and Personally. But cant say I regret. Although If Tonys mom had lived I would Never quit BUT I would slow down and find Some balance in my life. All the coaches or sensei I know been at it for decades, have simular stories. But I would not have had a successful Boxing Club with Winners, and Tony would NOT have had an International level career that took him around the world. I could and should have been a millionaire. {i am alright, and independantly debt free} but not where I should have been. But Its been a journey I never imagined.Beyond Anything I cuold have dreamed of. Met people on first name basis I never could have dreamed of. Beautiful Journey.

Any advice/ guidance to share with the community?

Having a Boxing Club in your community is a bonus and a plus. Boxing is NOT for everybody and everyone. But it gives some young people direction and HOPE, and a positive outlet . Young people need guidance, and direction, and discipline. My Boxing Club is NOT a democracy its a dictatorship!!! Because ,youth needs discipline and direction. Democracy comes later when they become independent of me and they have the tools in their toolbox to think for themselves and the know how and options to take action for themselves In the ring and out.. Boxing Clubs have people of all races and religion and creed. It dont matter what color you are. Its what you can do with your yourself and whats inside you that matters. Black, white, Native, arab, train side by side, get chastised and hammered equally verbally, and emotionally and physically. they learn there is no difference. We all Bleed the same color. Only color that counts. WE ALL THE SAME. We al learn to persevere, We don't all become champions in the ring and win medals and tropies, But we all WIN by trying and not giving up. Being the best we can be We all go home FRIENDS. We should have more places like Boxing Clubs in Every community.