About Lisa Bauch

Lisa Bauch is the founder and owner of Uppercut Gym in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Athlete, entrepreneur, and activist, Bauch was recently deemed “one of the few female players of substantial caliber in today’s boxing world” by Boxing Digest magazine.

Bauch first walked into a boxing gym in 1993, looking to improve her self defense skills for her job as a nightclub manager.  Instead, she found her life’s passion.  “In my initial training a trainer handed me a pair of gloves and I found myself running for safety in the ring,” Bauch explains.  “When I stopped I was exhausted and out of breath, my arms ached like never before, and I thought I was going to be sick.  I wanted more.”

Through the years, Lisa has continued her training with world famous trainers such as Lennox Blackmore who trains World Champions such as Vivian Harris, Asa Sandell, Veronica Simmons, and many more.  Lisa has also trained with Hector Rocca, who in 2004 was ranked the number one Spanish Trainer in the world by International Boxing Digest.  Rocca has also trained World Champions that include Arturo Gatti, Buddy McGirt, and Oscar Winner Hilary Swank for her role in Million Dollar Baby.

Unfortunately, women were rarely welcome in traditional gyms or in the ring.  So in 1996 Bauch, calling on her background as a fitness instructor and small business manager, founded Uppercut Gym.  From its humble beginnings in a Lake Street storefront, Uppercut has grown into the Midwest’s largest boxing gym – and the only boxing gym in the United States solely owned and operated by a woman.

In its spacious, fully equipped headquarters in a Northeast Minneapolis warehouse, Uppercut offers training for fitness or competition to members of all ages.  Men and women now train together in a diverse environment of respect and accountability.  Whether a member’s goal is to compete in the ring or to improve physical condition, Uppercut offers a challenging workout that emphasizes safety and technique while improving self-confidence.  Uppercut also sponsors special mentoring and training programs for teens, working in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, the YMCA, the YWCA, and the Girl Scouts of America.  The gym was recently named one of the top seven in the Best Of The Twin Cities Mpls/St. Paul Magazine.

Bauch trains professional as well as amateur fighters and has worked as a trainer and cut man for Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante.  A competitor on the TV show “The Contender,” Bonsante was the 2003 International Boxing Association World Middle Weight Champion and defeated St. Paul’s Matt Vanda in a 10-round unanimous decision before a capacity crowd at the Target Center. In March 2007, Bauch and Bonsante traveled to New York City, where Bonsante competed at Madison Square Garden against middle weight John Duddy of Ireland.  The fight was called after ten rounds due to a minor injury Bonsante sustained during an accidental head-butt.

In addition to her busy teaching schedule, Bauch is a leader and active volunteer in promoting the sport of boxing throughout the Midwest.  She serves as the Region One  Director for the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Association, and was instrumental in lobbying for the reinstatement of the office of Boxing Commissioner in Minnesota.  She has been on the cover of Twin Cities Business Magazine and featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, City Business, Twin Cities Business Monthly, Minnesota Sports, Minnesota Monthly, and on KARE-11, KSTP, KMSP, and WCCO.  Minnesota non-profit WomenVenture recently awarded Bauch its coveted Brik Award, given to outstanding individuals who have been leaders in advancing the foundation’s goal of success for women business owners.