Baltimore’s boxing tradition has produced generations of talented fighters, trainers and champions. Coach Mack Allison is helping keep that tradition alive through Time 2 Grind Boxing Club, where his work extends beyond developing athletes to mentoring young people and strengthening the community.

Allison, the founder of Time 2 Grind, has spent decades in combat sports and has trained numerous amateur and professional champions. He is also the father and longtime coach of professional boxer Mack “PAPI” Allison IV, one of several accomplished fighters to come through the gym.

Time 2 Grind Boxing Club is located inside Transforming Life Church of God, pastored by David K. Biggers, at 4801 Sipple Avenue in Baltimore. The gym provides training for children, teens and adults while emphasizing discipline, confidence, physical fitness and personal responsibility.

The club has developed an impressive roster of fighters, including Mack Allison IV, Malik “The Ring King” Titus, Tyrell “Iron Soldier” Boyd, Destiny “Lady Tyson” Day Owens and Carl Behm.

Walter Stone Sanders IV, Destiny ‘Lady Tyson’ Day Owens, Mack "Papi" Allison IV, Tyrell Iron Soldier Boyd, Manager James Hogan and Malik "The Ring King" King Titus

Mack Allison IV has earned USBU, USWBC Gold, UBF and NABC championships. Titus has won USBU, USWBC Silver, UBF and NABC titles, while Boyd has captured USBU, UBF, NABA and NABC championships. Owens is a two-time world champion whose accomplishments include UBF World, WIBA Female World and USBU championships. Behm was named a 2026 Golden Gloves alternate.

During an interview with The Baltimore Times, Coach Mack shared that several of his fighters are continuing to stay active in the ring.

Destiny "Lady Tyson" Owens

Mack Allison IV is scheduled to fight in Columbia on August 29. Coach Mack said his son has approximately 30 professional fights and continues to climb the rankings.

Boyd is scheduled to return to the ring on September 26. In addition to boxing professionally, Coach Mack said Boyd has served in the Army for 13 years and is also a father.

Tyrell Iron Soldier Boyd

“He’s a family guy,” Allison said, describing the responsibilities Boyd balances alongside his boxing career.

Malik Titus is also expected to fight again this fall.

For Coach Mack, however, the relationships with his fighters are about much more than training camps and professional records.

He has known Titus since he was 11 years old and Boyd since he was about 15. Along with his son, the three fighters have become like family.

“I call them three boys,” Allison said. “I’ve been in their lives, and we’ve been in each other’s lives, for over 10 years.”

That sense of family reflects the larger mission of Time 2 Grind.

The gym offers a positive environment where participants can learn boxing fundamentals while building confidence, self-esteem and life skills. Allison emphasizes respect, responsibility, perseverance and discipline—qualities he believes can help young people succeed whether they pursue boxing professionally or not.

His own introduction to martial arts began when he was 11 years old.

Allison recalled getting into trouble in school when a science teacher, who was also a judo instructor, asked the principal if he could work with him. That opportunity introduced Allison to judo and eventually led him into boxing and other martial arts.

Over the years, he studied judo, Taekwondo and other disciplines while continuing to develop his passion for boxing.

“I love boxing, but my heart is martial arts,” Allison said.

His years of dedication have also earned recognition outside the ring. Allison said he was recently selected for induction into a martial arts Hall of Fame in New Jersey, with the induction expected to take place in 2027.

His journey has also given him a front-row seat to Baltimore’s deep boxing culture.

Allison recalled knowing fighters such as Franchón Crews-Dezurn from a young age and watching Baltimore athletes grow through the amateur ranks and continue into professional boxing.

He described the city’s boxing community as closely connected, with fighters, trainers and gyms crossing paths regularly at competitions and events.

“Everybody knows everybody pretty much,” Allison said.

That interconnected community has helped Baltimore produce nationally recognized names while also developing countless fighters who may not yet have widespread recognition.

Coach Mack said that is one of the reasons he wants people to pay attention to the talent coming out of the city now.

“We just have some phenomenal people right here in Baltimore that are pushing forward,” Allison said. “We just want to make sure everybody knows that the talent is here.”

While boxing can provide opportunity, Allison also stresses that becoming a competitive fighter requires major commitment.

“If it’s a hobby, it’s great because you don’t have to sacrifice a lot,” Allison said. “But as a fighter, you have to sacrifice. Your life changes because it’s a very disciplined sport.”

That sacrifice can include demanding training schedules, conditioning, nutrition, weight management and giving up activities that interfere with preparation.

Allison has also worked to share his experience with future fighters through written guides focused on amateur and professional boxing. He is currently updating the materials to make them more understandable for athletes who want a clearer idea of what to expect before committing to the sport.

At Time 2 Grind, that preparation goes beyond learning how to throw punches or win championships.

The larger goal is to help participants become more focused, confident and prepared for life outside the ring.

As Baltimore continues to celebrate its boxing history, Coach Mack Allison and Time 2 Grind are working to make sure the next generation has an opportunity to add to it.

For Allison, Baltimore boxing is not simply about the champions people already know. It is also about the young fighters training today, the coaches guiding them and the community supporting them along the way.

And at Time 2 Grind, that tradition continues one round at a time.