161 Boxing Club: Resurrecting Boxing in Downtown Toronto

For years, the pursuit of an authentic fight camp in this city required leaving the core. The gyms that respected the sweet science and preserved the sport’s history were pushed to the outskirts or out of the city entirely. Meanwhile, the center of the city became saturated with brightly lit, aesthetic-driven fitness studios. Toronto had a glaring void for an uncompromising facility offering pure boxing in Downtown Toronto.

161 Boxing Club wasn't conceptualized to be just another gym; it was founded to act as a sanctuary that bridges the gap between the corporate professional and the dedicated fighter. Here is how 161 became the premier hub for boxing in the heart of the city.

The Vision Behind the Club

Founder, Ilias El Bouazaoui, didn't start his journey in Toronto. Immersed in martial arts from the age of six, he forged his foundation in the competitive kickboxing circuit, fighting extensively on the French national stage. Leaving that formidable striking pedigree behind, his trajectory naturally evolved into a singular, global boxing pursuit. Along the way, he spent years training at the highest levels; sharing the mats at the MMA Factory in Paris alongside UFC heavyweights Cyril Gane and Francis Ngannou, and grinding in the UK with Leon Edwards. He knew exactly what a world-class, uncompromising fight culture felt like.

Despite checking all the traditional boxes—earning an MBA from a top-tier school and building a prestigious career at American Express—Ilias felt unfulfilled and restricted by the corporate machine. He realized that the discipline, community, and genuine respect he craved couldn't be synthesized in an office building; it could only be forged on the gym floor.

During the pandemic, he made the decision to step off the corporate ladder and bring that elite training environment to the people who needed it most.

The Sanctuary at Queen and Spadina

When it came time to establish the club, the location had to be undeniably central. There was no interest in being tucked away in the suburbs. We secured an address right at Queen and Spadina to create an accessible hub for serious training that the downtown core desperately lacked.

The space itself carries an exclusive Toronto history. Taking over what was formerly Drake’s private nightclub, we stripped the room down to its essential elements. Retaining the original parquet wood floors from its nightclub era, we preserved the room's unique character while trading the VIP aesthetic for heavy bags and a competition ring.

If you work in the Fashion District, the Entertainment District, or King West, this space was designed for your routine. 161 is a place to step away from the outside world and out of your comfort zone to put in the work.

Redefining the City’s Culture

The local scene has coasted on a softened, fitness-first mentality for too long. At 161, we are actively shifting the narrative by reviving real club fights, high-energy shows, and serious training.

When you walk into our space, you aren't just a client swiping a card; you’re joining a grassroots community built on mutual respect and fortitude.

Our vision for the next five years is clear: to be the undisputed hub for legitimate boxing in downtown Toronto.

If you are ready to trade your comfort zone for a culture of substance and pride, check out our schedule, tap into your full potential, and see what Toronto boxing looks like in its purest form.