The APEX Boxing Club is a locally owned boxing gym inspired to not only teach self-defense, but confidence and mental strength. APEX celebrated its grand opening on Dec. 21 and is encouraging both experienced and inexperienced fighters with a starting age at 4.
According to owner Royal Liedecke, the business mindset and boxing mindset both rely on integrity, discipline, and the trust in yourself to keep going. Royal knew what kind of community he wanted to offer to the city—an audience that doesn’t give up, that works harder when knocked down.
When the Corpus Christi native was 13, he was assaulted by a group. Following the experience, Royal’s stepfather took him to the Corpus Christi Police Athletic League where he met experienced Golden Glove Champion and Olympic tryout boxer Adam Franco. Franco has been dedicated to boxing since he was about six years old, eventually becoming a coach and starting his nonprofit organization, Franco’s Pride.
Franco’s Pride operates within APEX Boxing Club offering a powerful combination of open gym, more equipment, and a structured schedule welcoming all levels to the ring. Boxing doesn’t only teach self-defense and according to Coach Franco “it teaches confidence. It teaches discipline. It teaches respect. It gives you a lot of pride, it makes you feel good about yourself. It teaches you control.”
Royal’s 4-year-old daughter, Layla, has started boxing. He wants her to start learning self-defense, taught by Coach Franco. “She loves it, I don’t even have to ask her,” Royal said.
What was once a nail salon, is now a luxurious boxing gym including a 16×16 boxing ring, 16 punching bags, three speed bags, three treadmills, two saunas, and two power racks with built in connection. Scheduling and membership pricing can be found on APEX Boxing Club’s Facebook page and the gym is now offering 24/7 access to specific memberships.
Royal has been studying business for about 13 years and also owns the barber shop 2Relentless. He explained that whatever you dream you want to pursue or a business you want to open, you can make it happen in Corpus Christi.
“Anything you want, you can make it happen,” Royal said.
