Knuckleheads is lucky to have some of the most experienced boxing coaches in the Chicagoland area. Our coaches are not just fitness trainers or boxing enthusiasts but trained professionals with years of ring time under their belts. Whether you want to start your boxing career or add boxing to your fitness routine, our coaches can help you reach your goals.
Master’s Degree “School of Hard Knocks” Marty began amateur boxing in 1979. Throughout an extensive amateur career, he won numerous Chicago Park District, state, tri-state, and regional championships and was a semi-finalist in many national tournaments.
After accumulating a final amateur record of 125 wins and 35 defeats, Marty turned pro at 17 in 1987 as a high school senior. Collecting 38 straight wins as a pro fighting throughout the United States and Canada, Marty suffered his first loss in Las Vegas to the great Julio Cesar Chavez on December 13, 1992.
Returning to learning and perfecting his trade, he ran off 36 more victories before heading to Philadelphia to win the USBA title by thoroughly outboxing hometown favorite Anthony Boyle. Marty stayed busy on the club circuit until he fought Lightweight Champion Miguel Angel Gonzalez for the WBC lightweight title as the main event on a PPV card. Losing a 12-round decision, Marty continued his quest to be world champion and earned another opportunity to fight the undefeated WBO lightweight Champion Artur Grigorian in Germany. Marty dropped another 12-round decision to the champion. In 1997, Marty, for the third time, earned his shot at another world title. Traveling to Morroco, Marty was stopped in the 7th round by WBA Jr Welterweight Champion Khalid Rahilou.
Marty fought professionally throughout the USA, Mexico, Canada, Denmark, Germany, and China with televised fights on ESPN, USA Network, Showtime, PPV, and European television stations. He was ranked at one time or another in the top ten of each major sanctioning body (WBA, WBC, and IBF).
Marty takes his love of boxing and brings it to the gym daily. After retiring from the sport that had treated him so well, he has taught boxing and life lessons to anyone willing to listen, learn, and work hard.
Record: Final professional record 118 wins and 7 losses. Final amateur record 125 wins and 35 losses
marty@knuckleheadsboxing.com
RUBEN GALVAN
Ruben Galvan, the Modern Day Warrior, competed in 60 professional bouts throughout his illustrious career. Born in Hammond, Indiana, Ruben cut his teeth under the bright lights of Pay-per-view, HBO, and ESPN broadcasts against Julio Cesar Chavex Jr., Jorge Paex, and Zab Judah.
When he’s not boxing, Ruben enjoys spending time with his seven beautiful grandchildren and his dog Meeko, AKA the love of his life. Ruben also runs a security business and enjoys challenging people in cornhole.
ORLANDO JOHNSON
Orlando Johnson started with Knuckleheads in September 2023, bringing more than 40 years of boxing experience.
Orlando is a 4x Chicago Park Distract Champion, Silver Gloves National Champion, 2x Golden Gloves Champion, 1980 Olympic Trial Qualifier, 1982 ABF National Champion, and 1982 Pan-An Games qualifier.
Orlando has competed in more than 350 amateur boxing bouts, and he is looking forward to helping the next generation discover their competitiveness and sharpen their boxing technique.
RODNEY WILSON
Rodney Wilson joined Knuckleheads in 2022 with more than 30 years of boxing under his belt, and he is excited to share his experience with the Knuckleheads team.
Rodney competed in 166 amateur fights and was the Chicago Park District champ, 2x Regional Silver Gloves champ, CYO boxing champ, 4X Golden Gloves champ, Black Expo champ, and 3x Illinois state champ. Rodney also competed for the professional 12-round IBO welterweight championship
KNUCKLEHEADS BOXING
633 South Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL, 60605
United States
MON
6am – 8pm
TUE
6am – 8pm
WED
6am – 8pm
THU
6am – 8pm
FRI
6am – 8pm
SAT
8am – 2pm
SUN
Closed
