After devastating fire, Legacy Boxing Club begins fight to rebuild
Legacy Boxing Club is searching for a new home after an eight-alarm fire tore through the Belleville industrial complex where it operates on Sunday afternoon, May 3.
The blaze, which began in a nearby mattress warehouse, spread rapidly amid strong winds and low water pressure. Multiple fire departments responded as thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky, visible as far away as Newark. No injuries were reported.
Yessenia Montalvo, the owner and founder of Legacy Boxing, stood down the street watching as firefighters battled the flames.
Based on images she has since seen of the building on Cortland Street, Montalvo believes the gym may not be salvageable. Still, the former Newark Police Department detective and USA Boxing gold-level coach says the program will continue.
“The fire took everything… but it didn’t take who we are,” Montalvo wrote on social media.
“Legacy Boxing Club was never just walls and equipment. It was built on discipline, structure, heart, and a community that refuses to break. We’ve been tested before… this is just another round.”
The fire comes at a time when Legacy Boxing was expanding. Founded in 2020, the club moved from Wayne to Belleville last year and had grown to approximately 300 members, including about 100 children in its youth program, according to Montalvo.
The gym was preparing to launch a girls wrestling program for ages 7–16, led by Montalvo’s daughter, Ahlexa, and had recently invested in new bags, gloves and uniforms. It had also been building momentum with its “Pretty Strong” initiative, promoting boxing as fitness and self-defense for women.
Legacy Boxing had become a significant part of the larger New Jersey boxing community as well, hosting Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves events in 2025 and 2026.
Montalvo said she hopes the building can be restored, but is already exploring alternatives nearby to keep the program intact.
“We’re just looking to find another place close by,” she said. “Where we were was such a hub for schools. Kids would come right after school and hang out. We’re hoping the damage isn’t too severe so we can rebuild there, especially because the landlord has been so supportive.”
In the meantime, Montalvo plans to speak with Belleville Mayor Michael Melham and local recreation officials about securing a temporary training space, potentially at Belleville High School.
Belleville Recreation expressed its support on Facebook, writing: “Legacy Boxing has been an important part of our recreation family, providing opportunities, mentorship, and a positive outlet for so many in our community. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time.”
While the fire is a significant setback for the program, Montalvo insists that the final bell has not rung for Legacy Boxing.
“We don’t quit. We don’t fold. We rebuild. We shall rise. Stronger. Together. With purpose. Be ready for the comeback,” said Montalvo.
Donations to support the program can be sent via Zelle to Legacy Boxing’s nonprofit, Legacy Youth Empowerment Organization, lyeo@legacyboxingnj.com.