Larry Fullmer believes that if boxing siblings Gene, Jay, and Don Fullmer could witness the newly established Fullmer Legacy Center, they would feel a sense of pride—and perhaps think he’s a bit eccentric.
After years of relocating—from an old elementary school to a sugar plant, church, fire department, and most recently, an equestrian center—the Fullmer brothers’ legacy has found a permanent residence.
On May 2, the Fullmer Legacy Foundation inaugurated its 16,500-square-foot center and gym in South Jordan.
This new development occurs a decade after Gene (April 27) and Jay (April 22) Fullmer passed away, and 13 years following Don’s death.
“This facility will help keep their legacy alive, which is why we named it the Fullmer Legacy Center,” stated Larry Fullmer, the son of Don Fullmer and chair of the Fullmer Legacy Foundation’s board of directors.
The center promises to provide local youth with a space to learn boxing and its accompanying discipline, free of charge, for many years to come.
Reflecting their former coach, Marv Jenson, the Fullmers have never charged kids to learn boxing. Participants incur only a USA Boxing insurance fee, which, at times, the Fullmer family covers as well.
“We hope this center will help direct youth energy into positive activities and away from gangs or undesirable behavior,” added Fullmer, emphasizing the aim of transforming lives and nurturing responsible citizens.
The facility features a boxing ring, a memorabilia museum, a doctor’s office for physicals, a speed bag room, a virtual reality training area, an indoor track, a conference room, locker rooms, and even an outdoor concrete pad for additional boxing activities that were lacking in the previous gym.
The Fullmer Legacy of Giving Back
Upon its opening, some young boxers were overwhelmed with emotion, according to coach Ted Gurule, who noted their astonishment at the facility and the absence of any fees.
“They often can’t believe it’s theirs, asking how much it will cost,” Gurule explained. “Parents have expressed their gratitude, often in tears, for what we’ve provided.”
The foundation emphasizes not just boxing skills but education, with kids encouraged to maintain good grades, facilitated by donated computers.
“I tell them, ‘If you’re a B student, aim to be a B or better,’” Gurule mentioned, noting that many boxers often surpass those standards due to the discipline boxing instills.
Why the Fullmers Still Need Your Help
The Fullmer Legacy Foundation successfully raised $6 million for the construction of the center, with contributions from various foundations, banks, and local organizations.
Despite this achievement, the foundation is still $1 million short of covering the total $7 million cost, and ongoing fundraising efforts will concentrate on utility expenses and operational costs.
Fullmer emphasizes the continual need for support, humorously noting that fundraisers often involve persistent outreach within the community.
“It’s all worth it when you witness a positive transformation in someone’s life,” Fullmer concluded, reinforcing the foundation’s mission to uplift and support youth through boxing and beyond.
