ABOUT KO
Est. in 1999 KO Boxing & Fitness has been The Little Apple's longest running fitness center. KO was originally founded and managed by Lorissa Belcher. In 2020 She left the KO Legacy in the hands of former KO Boxer and Golden Glove champion Pedro Marquez.
Boxing is a great way for everyone to get in shape, learn a form of self-defense, and take care of their mental health. We offer general fitness kids and adults. We also have a competitive boxing team. There is no workout like a boxing workout! Come and see for yourself!
HEAD COACH & OWNER
Pedro Marquez
I was introduced to boxing at the age of 14 by my uncle, a former professional boxer and champion in Mexico. Throughout high school and community college, boxing was a key part of my life—not just as a sport, but as a pathway to fitness and well-being. Having struggled with obesity for most of my life, I found that boxing made exercise enjoyable and transformative..
In Spring 2018, I graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology. During my studies, I trained at KO and often assisted the gym’s founder, Coach Lorissa, with her classes. That same year, Coach Lorissa and I went 4-0 as a coach/fighter team, winning both the State and Regional Golden Gloves Championships in the Novice Division at 165 lbs.
In 2020, Coach Lorissa entrusted me with carrying forward the KO legacy. It was an incredible honor to step into the role of head coach and owner. I returned to The Little Apple with a commitment to help people reach their potential, train future champions, and continue elevating the KO community. Making the world better, one boxer at a time.
ASSISTANT COACH & CO-OWNER
Caity Hinnergardt
My name is Caity and I am one of the coaches at K.O. Boxing! I believe wholeheartedly in the life lessons boxing has to offer. With two fights under my belt, I bring firsthand experience in the discipline, hard work, and mental, physical, and emotional toughness it takes to compete.
Currently, I lead the women’s class and work with women one on one. I am passionate about helping others reach their goals—whether they’re stepping into the ring or improving their fitness. I take great pride in the supportive community we’ve built at the gym, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, challenged, and encouraged to push their limits. To me, boxing is more than a sport; it’s a path to empowerment and resilience for everyone who walks through our doors.