On April 18, Max Medley faced off in a unique sparring session at Gleason’s boxing gym in Dumbo, Brooklyn. This wasn’t just any match; it was part of the first Interclub chess boxing event. Imagine mixing chess with boxing—two very different skills in one competition.
At 26, Medley is an architect and a skilled chess player. He knew he had the upper hand in chess but had to survive the boxing rounds first. His opponent was a better fighter and came in strong.
“I don’t have to win the boxing; I just need to outplay you in chess,” Medley told The Post. Despite getting hit hard, he managed to win by checkmate in the end. Showing up to work the next day with bruises like they came straight from a fight scene was a badge of honor for him.
This event was just for fun, not a professional competition. Yet, it reflects a growing trend. Chess boxing combines quick thinking and physical strength, appealing to those with no prior experience in either sport.
Every Sunday morning, classes at Gleason’s mix high-energy cardio, boxing techniques, and chess strategies. A typical match alternates between six rounds of chess and five rounds of boxing, with timed limits for each. Victory can come from a knockout, checkmate, or running out of time on the chess clock.
Interestingly, Medley feels boxing might hold more importance. “It’s like asking whether Mike Tyson or Magnus Carlsen would win,” he joked. But according to Alex Selden of Chessboxing NYC, the outcome is often decided by chess. He noted that about 70% of matches end with a checkmate or chess time-out. Still, boxers need enough skill to avoid getting knocked out quickly.
Chess boxing has roots dating back to a 1992 comic by French artist Enki Bilal, with the first live event held in Berlin in 2003. The sport gained traction across Europe, and Selden believed it would thrive in New York, known for its boxing heritage and chess culture. Tragically, Selden was set to discuss the sport’s future with its creator, Iepe Rubingh, who passed away unexpectedly in 2020, fueling Selden’s determination to move forward.
Today, three major chess boxing clubs operate in NYC, drawing diverse crowds—from finance professionals to martial artists and even a notable number of women. As Cassandra Angelini-Vazquez, Selden’s wife and co-founder, explained, many find the combination appealing. “Being fit and smart is overrated. This offers a fun break from the seriousness of city life,” she said.
But mastering chess boxing is no small feat. Medley balances his training with chess competitions and morning boxing sessions. “It’s not just skill; it’s about staying sharp mentally,” he noted. A 2019 study showed that just three rounds of sparring could impair memory and coordination, adding to the complexity of this hybrid sport.
Despite the risks associated with boxing, Selden assures that safety is a priority. Since chess boxing isn’t recognized by the New York Athletic Commission, matches are primarily exhibitions. He hopes to work with USA Boxing for regular competitions, aiming to elevate the sport’s status.
In a world where the mind and body often seem at odds, Chess Boxing offers a fascinating blend of competition. It challenges participants to think critically while pushing physical limits, making it a truly unique sport.
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