Meggett sharing his passion for boxing with the youth

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Ashley Garner
The Post and Courier

Al "Hollywood" Megget has dedicated his life to boxing and young people all over the Lowcountry.

Ashley Garner
The Post and Courier

Erick Jackson Jr, 9, hits the speed ball during a workout at the Charleston Police Athletic League boxing facility.

Al "Hollywood" Meggett is the man.

Need proof?

Head down to his gym on King Street and listen for yourself. He'll let you know.

"I'm Hollywood," the 77 year-old Meggett belts on numerous occasions. "I'm the man!"

It takes a major source of pride to actively and frequently dote on one's own accomplishments, and Hollywood has evidence of his successes and achievements everywhere in his cramped office, but mostly on the walls in photographs.

"That's Muhammed Ali," Meggett gushed. "I knew him when he was Cassius Clay."

It isn't the photos of Muhammed Ali and Floyd Patterson, or the stories of legendary trainer Angelo Dundee that make Meggett's eyes lighten and voice squeak with excitement — it's the kids.

"My life is dedicated to boxing and to youths," Hollywood says as he proudly displays photos of his adolescent trainees. "I'm focused on being a service to young people all over the Lowcountry."

It's hard to argue with his accomplishments. A self-described "godsend," Meggett grew up in New York City and began training at the age of 23. He moved south and opened his own gym in Charleston in 1983. Since then, the Police Athletic League has been a service to youths in the area. It offers a safe place to train, Monday through Friday.

Eric Jackson and Stephen Archie know how important the league is to kids. They both trained with Meggett when they were boys, and now they are doing their part.

"We're just trying to give back," Jackson said. "We see the need and we want to offer our own experiences. We were here when it started, and 20 years later we haven't left."

So far, it has worked. Both Jackson and Archie were Junior Olympic state champions in their youth, and now their own sons have matched that feat under the direction of

Meggett. Jackson and Archie are just doing their part, they say.

Though Jackson admits that he didn't train youths until his own son, Eric Jackson Jr., was old enough to box, he still contends that working with Meggett and making a difference in the community brings forth a tremendous sense of pride.

"When you work two jobs and you come here, it just shows our commitment," Jackson said. "I'm not doing it because I have to, I'm doing it because I want to. It's all about where your heart is."

There's no question where Hollywood's heart lies. Amidst all the photos and news-clippings adorning the walls of Meggett's tiny office, Hollywood sits at his desk, proudly shuffling through a stack of photos depicting young boxers wearing over-sized trunks and their most intimidating scowl. Meggett's smile brightens as he rattles off the names and accomplishments of these youngsters, some fully grown by now.

Only briefly do his eyes dart behind him, at the photo of Joe Frazier with a man fashioned in a bright "Hollywood Al" T-shirt.

"See the shirt, baby. That's Hollywood," he blurts, as his gaze returns to the stack of photos.

That's Hollywood, and he's the man.