About & History
The Burbank Boxing Club is a family-friendly, all-ages, health and fitness club based in the entertainment capital of the world — Burbank, California!. The Club originated in 1996 and has been going strong ever since with thousands of people improving their health and wellness through the Club’s boxing-themed fitness classes.
Over the years, the Burbank Boxing Club’s classes and events have attracted members from the general public, as well as amateur boxers interested in improving their skills. The Club has become a mainstay for several boxers who started out as members, but gravitated to competitive boxing. We’ve even had a few who’ve gone pro. Currently, the Burbank Boxing Club classes are held at the at different locations in and around Burbank.
The Founder
The Club was started by boxing industry legend and sculptor, Steve Harpst. Steve is a professional artist who has been creating artwork, competing as an athlete and training other to stay healthy nearly all his life.
As an artist, Steve creates bronze boxing sculptures, each one a unique masterpiece that captures the authentic essence of the subject and his favorite subjects of all are boxing legends and champions. Steve has sculpted bronze awards for over 100 world boxing champions.
History — A Legacy of Community and Physical Fitness since 1996
Since its inception in 1996, the Club has been based in Burbank where classes have almost always been filled with participants eager to improve their physical fitness and mental acuity.
The Burbank Boxing Club continues to grow and is a safe and friendly place where anyone can come to get into shape, find new friends and gain the confidence that comes with learning the basics of boxing. There is no sparring or actual boxing during Burbank Boxing Club fitness classes. What you will find is a great workout that has helped thousands of people get into shape and be healthy for over two decades.
Milestones & Achievements
Burbank Boxing Club Milestones and Accomplishments
• June 2001: BBC kids compete in their first amateur show
• August 2001: Steve Harpst named “Best Trainer” by the Burbank Leader
• June 2002: Sgt. Cindy Guilen wins Silver Medal at Police Olympics
• Sept. 2002: Steve Harpst named to Board of Directors World Boxing Hall of Fame
• August 2004: Best trainer, Burbank Leader
• August 2005: Best trainer, Burbank Leader
• August 2006: Best trainer, Burbank Leader
• Sept. 2006: Start Team Los Angeles, secure sponsors for team
• Feb. 2007: Team Los Angeles (BBC and local fighters go to Calgary to compete)
• March 2007: Certificate of appreciation from Mayor Villaraigosa.
• March 2007: BBC fighter David Lopez, Jr. wins Junior Olympics District
• August 2007: Best trainer, Burbank Leader
• Nov. 2007: Sold-out Team LA show hosts Team Calgary and Team Houston
• Nov. 2008: Team Los Angeles goes to Edmonton
• July 2008: Steve Harpst inducted into California Boxing Hall of Fame
• August 2008: Best trainer, Burbank Leader
• 2012 – 2014: Club fighter Sergio went on 10-fight winning streak in amateurs
• 2014: Members Maya & Damien won National PAL Championships in Oxnard
• Jan. 2015: Damien competed in Olympic Qualifier in Spokane
• Oct. 2015: Damien reaches the quarter finals in Memphis
• 2015: Steve Harpst Receives the Joe Louis Humanitarian Award
• June 2016: Damien makes pro debut with a KO win in El Monte
• 2018: Damien’s record stands at 7-0-1 with 5 KOs
• 2018: BBC reaches peak attendance, averaging 50 visitors per night