USA Boxing Team Is Training For The Olympics In An Abandoned Colorado Mall

With less than six months until the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the U.S. boxing team would usually be training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Due to the pandemic, the team isn't allowed to train there. Instead, they've set up a new gym in an abandoned department store at the Citadel Mall.

"It's obviously a department store not being used," USA Boxing Executive Director Mike McAtee told 9NEWS. "But it's our home and our boxers are taking it seriously."

Boxing gloves now line the store's old shoe racks. And the team has used the space to set up four rings, punching bags, and a strength and conditioning area.

Boxer Richard Torrez told 9NEWS it's like a scene from a movie.

"I feel like I'm in a 'Rocky' movie," said Torrez. "Being able to train in these old low lighting levels."

The USA team has been training in the department store since January while they prepare for Olympic qualifications in May, reports 9NEWS. Then they have two months until the Summer Olympics begins in July.

"This is the Olympic Games," said McAtee. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our boxers. We're going to adapt and that's what we're doing."

Photos: Getty Images