Berkshire Boxing Academy Brings Home First Win at Rumble in Revere

Community submission11:48AM / Tuesday, September 02, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire Boxing Academy, a small but spirited boxing gym housed inside Berkshire Nautilus at 42 Summer St., is celebrating its first competitive victory after an inspiring showing at the second annual Rumble in Revere on Aug. 30.

Led by head coach Abby Allard, the academy continues to redefine what a community boxing gym can be. Since taking over the former Southpaw’s boxing program in July 2025, from 14-1 fighter Todd “The Punisher” Poulton, Allard has introduced a new name, a new direction, and a renewed focus on fundamentals while fostering a culture of belonging. The gym welcomes all ages, abilities, skills, and talents, proving that boxing is truly a sport for everyone.

Despite having just four hanging bags and a handful of stand-up bags, the Academy showed tremendous heart in Revere:

• Trevon Taylor fought courageously through an injury, taking the first round and showing grit through three before falling to a split decision.

• Kyle Appleton, a Dalton native, arrived expecting no fight after his original opponent withdrew due to a medical emergency. Cleared at weigh-ins, he got the call just before the first bell that a bout was available. In his debut match, against a more experienced opponent, Appleton fought with determination and claimed the Academy’s first-ever victory.

“There was no surprise in my heart when they announced Kyle’s win,” Allard said. “I know my fighters. They are a family — we spar together every Tuesday and Friday, we win together, and this is a team win. Kyle is our de facto captain, and he led us into the ring with courage.”

The Academy credits its success to the support of legendary Hall of Fame Coach, Paul Procopio, who brings more than 50 years of coaching wisdom, and to assistant coach Anthony Paulo, who oversees strength and conditioning for the academy, specializing in youth development.

The team’s momentum extends beyond Saturday’s fighters.

Rising talents Chase Cunagin, known for his steadfast presence, heavy overhand cross, and commitment to supporting teammates, and Seamus Woofenden, who drives more than an hour each way to practice and shines in the ring, embody the gym’s dedication. Meanwhile, Ashley Wren, the Academy’s fierce female competitor, continues to grow her skills and inspire others, proving that women’s boxing in the Berkshires is strong and thriving.

“This win isn’t just about one fighter or one match,” Allard said. “It’s a win for Berkshire Nautilus, our host gym. It’s a win for our families and our community. We’re proving that athletics and boxing aren’t just for those who fit the stereotype—they’re for everyone. Our gym is a space of love, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a commitment to raising up the community around us.”

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Advocates Request Pittsfield Office of Neighborhood Safety

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:23AM / Monday, August 31, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Advocates want an office of neighborhood safety within the City of Pittsfield following a string of gun violence incidents this summer.

Last week, during a virtual meeting, the Pittsfield Freedom Project called for public health interventions, such as violence interrupters, hospital violence intervention, and a neighborhood trauma response team.

"I'm sure everyone is aware; there have been at least four shootings. I've heard from people in the community that there have been more than that, but these are the ones that have resulted in injuries," said filmmaker Jenny Herzog.

"Resulting in one homicide and at least seven injured over the last couple of months."

Recent shooting incidents in Pittsfield ranged from June 18, when a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured, to August 18, when one person was injured after shots were fired on Circular Avenue.

Herzog produced the documentary "Hear Me," which explores the impact of poverty and gun violence on young people in Berkshire County. Attendees also heard from local advocate and fourth-generation Pittsfield resident Kamaar Taliaferro, CEO of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence Ruth Zakarin, and Ben Snyder, a sociology professor at Williams College.

"Here we are again in another cycle of gun violence, without the tools we need, seemingly without the will to demand the tools, and even if we did, without leadership that would even understand what we're asking for," Taliaferro said.

"And it's not like we don't have the resources to build what we need. At least $1.3 million has come into Pittsfield every year for the past six years, targeted to interrupt the cycle of gun and gang violence that we are in this moment. And dating back even further, Pittsfield has received gun violence prevention money and has received gang violence intervention money since like 2014. Since the last time there was this like emergent cycle of gun violence in our community."