The Impact & Legacy of the Fullmer Boxing Brothers
The Fullmer Brothers—Jay, Don, and Gene—are an endearing example of what it means to leave a lasting impact on a local community. Growing up in South Jordan, Utah, boxing was a central activity in the brothers’ lives, and according to the Washington Post, each of the Fullmer Brothers went on to become mid-century boxing legends.
In 1997, after he won the world middleweight championship when he defeated the great Sugar Ray Robinson, Gene Fullmer told Sports Illustrated, “My philosophy was to move forward and swing.”
This philosophy can be applied to more than fighting. It is a philosophy for life and a reminder to keep moving forward when the fight is tough. Today, that same philosophy helps shape the spirit and the character of youth who attend the Fullmer Boxing Gym.
Cover of Sports Illustrated, 1997
The Fullmer brothers attribute much of their boxing success to their mentor, Marv Jenson, who encouraged youth in West Jordan to not only enter boxing as amateurs, but to build resilience in life. Jenson was a guiding force for the Fullmer brothers and left a lasting impact on their character and philosophy. After each of the brothers saw success in their boxing careers, they came together to establish the Fullmer Brothers Boxing Gym, where they provided free mentorship and boxing lessons for at-risk youth.
“My philosophy was to move forward and swing.”
Many boxers testify that boxing has strengthened their character; instilling mental toughness, courage, confidence, discipline, and determination. For at-risk youth, boxing can be a be a transformative outlet to develop confidence and resilience in life.
“We try to give them goals to live by,” Jay Fullmer said. “We try to get them to do the very best they can. We’re not saying everybody’s going to end up being a champion. But, I can guarantee you, if they keep coming down, they’ll be better kids and they’ll be better citizens—that’s all we can ask.”
The 'Fighting Fullmer Brothers' — Jay, Don, and Gene
The Fullmer Legacy Foundation
In their time serving the local community, the Fullmer brothers mentored more than 2,000 youth through the sport of boxing. Today, the brothers’ sons are carrying that legacy forward.
Established as a nonprofit in 2018, the Fullmer Legacy Foundation strives to “memorialize the legacy and good works” of the Fullmer brothers through the sport of boxing. Supporting this mission, the foundation is working toward three goals:
- Provide accessible boxing programs to at-risk youth, building character, self-respect, and lasting leadership skills among community members.
- Construct the Fullmer Legacy Center (FLC), a permanent facility for the foundation’s boxing programs and a shared community space for personal transformation and self-discovery.
- Expand boxing programs to reach adults with special programs for women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Overall, the foundation aims to preserve the Fullmer legacy by mentoring youth and community members, instilling values of hard work and discipline to create stronger, more resilient citizens of the community through wellness in body, mind, and spirit.
Designing the Fullmer Legacy Center
Fulfilling its second goal, VCBO is working with the foundation to design and construct the Fullmer Legacy Center in South Jordan.
Aligned with the foundation’s people-driven mission, VCBO has donated time and energy since 2017 to helping the Fullmer Legacy Foundation realize their dream of building a facility that is dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth. The new Fullmer Legacy Center will be under construction in the spring of 2023 and open to the public mid-2024.
VCBO principal Philip Haderlie, AIA, who is leading the architectural efforts, said he has personally connected with the foundation’s mission.
“VCBO believes in the legacy of the ‘Fighting Fullmer Brothers’ and their work to provide mentoring through the sport of boxing to improve the lives of at-risk youth in the Salt Lake Valley,”
— Philip Haderlie, AIA
The project team is currently finalizing drawings and is excited to begin construction on the new facility. Bringing the Fullmer Legacy Foundation’s new boxing facility to life will have a great impact on the local community. Not only does this project represent the continuation of the Fullmer Brothers’ great legacy, it provides a positive outlet and free resource for at-risk youth.
The center is also designed to be an event venue for Golden Gloves boxing events across the Intermountain West. While a major focus of the facility is boxing, it will also provide space for other community events, meetings, and recreational activities.
The new Fullmer Legacy Center will be located about a block away from their existing facility in South Jordan, Utah.
VCBO is honored to have a part in shaping this new pillar of the community that will foster mentorship, character development, and enhance the community’s quality of life.
Support the Foundation’s Mission
The Fullmer Legacy Foundation welcomes donations in support of The Fullmer Legacy Center and its mission to support at-risk youth through the sport of boxing.
Contribute: fullmerlegacy.org/donate.
To learn more about the foundation and the construction of the FLC, visit: fullmerlegacy.org.