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Pro-Fit is ready to rumble!
Vargas Boxing, a team helmed by father and son Michael and Alex Vargas, has set up shop at Pro-Fit Deer Park.
The new ring and punching bags at 41 Mercedes Way in Edgewood are across the parking lot from the main Pro-Fit gym where Alix Louca owns both storefronts.
Michael Vargas said he outgrew Finest Fitness in Patchogue (now known as South Shore Iron) and sought a new spot for his son and his members to train and workout.
“My son does strength conditioning here with Anthony Tumminello, and the owner of Pro-Fit, Alix [Louca], was reaching out to me about a year or two to come do something here,” Vargas, 59, of Bellport said. “Eventually, I agreed. She’s good people, she had this spot for me and we made a good deal.”
Louca said she has been a family friend since she began sponsoring Alex Vargas, an undefeated professional boxer (12-0, 4 KOs).
“I thought this would be a great addition to the gym and the members,” Louca, 52, of Huntington, said. “Sure enough, it looks like the whole community is starting to come over and support, so we’re excited.”
Louca and the Vargases held a grand opening Saturday for the community to come down, work out, train and watch boxers take some swings in the ring.
Vargas said members of local gyms popped in, as did heavy hitter former lightweight champ Richard Commey and his revered coach Andre Razzire. Jahi Tucker, another professional fighter, came down as well, and will train at Vargas Boxing at Pro-Fit.
Training and live matches
All of the coaches at Vargas Boxing — they’re guiding pros, amateurs and beginners — are Vargas’ “old school” boxing friends. “They all fought with me at one time,” Vargas said. “They’re all my coaches now.”
In addition to training, Vargas and Louca plan to host matches in the new space. Vargas said its proximity to the Deer Park train station makes it a convenient venue for boxers based in New York City.
He said their first show will likely happen next spring.
“She and I are gonna do a great job here,” Vargas said. “We’re gonna have the Long Island boxing shows here, which the last three shows in Patchogue were probably some of the biggest ever on Long Island. These are gonna be even bigger.”
