Former junior welterweight champion Adolf Pruitt, who won the title in 1974, trains boxers at Broadway Gym. The South Los Angeles gym, once a beacon for world-class fighters, nearly closed in 2003. A change of ownership has given the sweaty sanctuary new life. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Craig Smith, 20, who has one victory in one fight under his belt and is training for future bouts, pauses after a vigorous workout. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Sauchsee Larkins manages the gym and has acted as a mother to many of the young boxers that make their way through Broadway. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Winter Wyatt, 16, left, spars with former junior welterweight champion Adolf Pruitt, who won the title in 1974 and now trains boxers at Broadway. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
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Adolf Pruitt, right, helps an aspiring boxer lace up his gloves. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Old photos of fighters and celebrities adorn the walls of the gym. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Henry “Mr. Slick” Walker, center, a top fighter through the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s now teaches young talent at the gym, including Craig Smith, who has one victory in one fight under his belt. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Fighter Craig Smith, training for future bouts, does pull-ups at the gym. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
