The grand opening of The Right Jab marks a historic new chapter for the Indianapolis sports scene, as Hollywood icon and founder Mike Epps joins forces with former WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster to bring a premier boxing facility back to their hometown. While Epps is the visionary who provided the facility, he has placed Brewster in charge of training and mentoring to lead the next generation of athletes. This partnership is a full-circle moment for the duo, representing a collaboration between two men who grew up together in Indianapolis as teenagers and have now returned as men to invest in the community that raised them.

During the opening, Epps emphasized that the gym is a family effort designed to serve as a hub for critical life lessons rather than just an athletic center. He expressed his hope that the facility will establish a lasting legacy in Naptown, potentially producing the city’s next world-class champions while providing a safe alternative to the streets. Epps introduced his partners, including Brewster—the first ever heavyweight champion from Indiana—and trainer Frank Collins, highlighting that it takes a collective effort to build a successful city and provide kids with a new road to success.

Brewster, who considers the boxing gym his second home, shared how the sport saved him by teaching him sacrifice, discipline, and determination during his youth. To pass these values on, The Right Jab will house Brewster’s innovative Fight for Life program, which was developed alongside mental health specialists. The program uses boxing as a metaphor for personal conduct, teaching young men that every word spoken symbolizes a punch and helping them understand how to handle the daily fight of life with resilience and thought.

The arrival of The Right Jab pays significant homage to a rich history of boxing in Indianapolis that stretches back decades. The city famously hosted the professional debut of a young Cassius Clay in 1960 and was the home of legendary coach Sarge Johnson, who molded generations of local and Olympic fighters. By establishing this facility at 3717 Sutherland Avenue, Epps and Brewster are ensuring that the future of Indianapolis boxing remains as impactful as its storied past. This investment provides a transformative space where the next generation can learn to stand strong both inside and outside the ring.