Nashville, Tennessee — In a city better known for its honky-tonks and hit records, Roy Bohannon Jr. built his own soundtrack—one punctuated by the thud of gloves on heavy bags and the bell signaling another round.
Born and raised in Nashville, Bohannon turned to professional boxing in October 1996 at age 21. Fighting out of his hometown in the super lightweight division, he adopted an orthodox stance and quickly earned a reputation for crisp technique and knockout power. Over the next nine years he racked up 63 total rounds in the pro game.
Bohannon built his reputation the old-school way: grinding through 17 pro fights from 1996 to 2005, with knockouts as a super lightweight. He headlined regional cards across Tennessee, Georgia, and beyond. Wins came steadily with technical knockouts, unanimous decisions, points victories against journeymen and regional talent.
At local spots like Nightclubs, locals packed in for his sharp, orthodox style and that signature, looping left hook locals nicknamed “the Bolo cut,” for its clean, decisive snap. He took on pressure fighters and bigger opponents who tried to bully him inside, but Roy’s footwork and heart kept him in the fight. In one memorable scrap, blood streaming from cuts and an eye nearly swollen shut, he weathered the storm through the middle rounds before unleashing the Bolo in the late, going to drop his man and force the stoppage. The hometown fans, locals, fight die-hards, and even the casual gamblers erupted, giving him the kind of raw, earned ovation that means more than any spotlight.
After a rewarding nine-year professional career from 1996 to 2005 Bohannon chose to step away from active competition in October 2005; But he never left the sport.
Instead, he redirected his energy into the next generation. As founder and coach behind Neighborhood Hopes Boxing Club, a nonprofit focused on youth outreach in Middle Tennessee, he began channeling the discipline he learned in the ring into programs that reach kids from tough neighborhoods. Through his gym (often tagged with his old “Bolo” moniker in social media and community posts), he teaches fundamentals: proper jab mechanics, footwork without telegraphing, and confidence under pressure.
Today, in East Nashville, you’ll find Bohannon—gray streaking his hair, voice steady and low—taping young hands, demonstrating pivots, and slowing down that signature hook for instruction. The kids who walk through the door come for different reasons: some angry, some seeking structure, many just needing a safe place to channel energy. He doesn’t lecture; he leads by example.
For more information and training:
Roy Bohannon – Nashville, Bellshire Terrace, US – Book online – Prices, reviews | Glambook
