The BLAST!

Petronelli's Boxing Gym, on Petronelli Way, formerly Ward St.

Petronelli's Boxing Gym opened in 1969. That same year, Newark to Brockton transplant, Marvin Hagler started training with brothers Goodie and Pat. Marvin became the National AAU Middleweight Champion in 1973. From 1980 to 1987, The Petronellis trained Hagler through 12 successful world title defenses, including celebrated matches vs. Roberto Durán and Thomas 'The Hitman' Hearns. In 1987, due to a controversial judges' decision, he lost to Sugar Ray Leonard. It turned out to be Hagler's final fight.