About the club

Boxing in Oakland since 1976.

Lightning's Boxing Club has been a training facility for thousands of fighters. The unique family atmosphere makes it an easy place to settle into, and many members consider the sanctuary their home away from home. Lightning's Boxing Club is one of the last full-service gyms that operates like a traditional boxing gym. On any given day you may be training alongside elite fighters in professional boxing.

Coaches

Every boxer is well accommodated here, from a first day in gloves to elite fighters. Experienced boxers get supervised sparring, fight camp, and a coach in their corner on fight night, and they train alongside the professionals who work out here today.

  • Kris "Lightning" Lopez landing a punch during his professional debut in Las Vegas, 2007.

    Kris “Lightning” Lopez

    Head coach. Professional and amateur trainer.Read his storyHide his story

    Kris "Lightning" Lopez began his boxing career in 1997 at the world famous Kings boxing gym in Oakland, California. He instantly gained recognition by the local boxing community as a fighter with exceptional talent. He earned his nickname "Lightning" from the late Marsha King because of his blazing fast hands. Kris went on to win 2 consecutive Golden Glove titles, and compiled an impressive 10-0 amateur record with 7 of the wins coming by way of knockout! Kris always dreamed of one day fighting as a professional, because he lacked a daily structure and a consistent male role model in his life. Kris missed his window during his prime years, so in 2007, at the age of 30 Kris finally realized his dream. He debuted in the mecca of boxing as a professional in what would be the 1st fight in Las Vegas in 2007. Unfortunately Kris was disqualified for excessive holding and hitting in the last round of the fight. This would be his only fight as a pro.

    Today he operates Lightning's Boxing Club in Oakland, California. He is a professional and amateur trainer. Many of his fighters consider him to be their "Mentor." Kris' goal is to make certain that young men and women are given a fair chance, by learning from the mistakes he made during his time as a fighter and as a young man trying to find his way through life.

  • Isaac "Cash" Taylor in the ring with his arms raised.

    Isaac “Cash” Taylor

    Professional boxer.Read his storyHide his story

    Born in Sacramento, Cash fights out of San Leandro. He boxed as an amateur from 2015, turned pro in 2021 with a knockout win, and has since fought on cards from Tampa to London.

    Today he coaches at Lightning's Boxing Club in Oakland while he keeps competing. Cash's goal is to give every boxer he trains the same preparation he takes into his own fights, so they step through the ropes ready and confident.

    Teaches Traditional instruction. Ages 13 and up.

Fighters who have trained here

  • Andre Ward

    Pound-for-pound legend and Olympic gold medalist.

  • Nonito Donaire

    Former multiple-division world champion.

  • Aaron “Heavy Metal” Coley

    Contender.

  • Karim Mayfield

    Former IBO world champion.

  • Andy Vences

    Former NABF champion.

  • Shakur Stevenson

    Olympic silver medalist.

  • David “Dynamite” Lopez

    “The Young Destroyer.” Youngest pro signed to Mayweather Promotions.

  • Tony Hirsch

    Local boxing star.

  • Lil Cra Cra

    Former Misfits Boxing lightweight champion.

  • Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor

    Former Misfits Boxing light-heavyweight champion and Bellator MMA veteran.

Photos, cropped: Nonito Donaire by Arvee Eco, CC BY-SA 2.0; Shakur Stevenson by Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil, CC BY 3.0 BR; Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor by Anthony Taylor, CC BY-SA 4.0.