The walls inside Skyy Boxing Gym have been stripped down and painted black. Gone are the posters and plaques of the past. Now stands a completely blank slate.

After 22 years of ownership, Jay Deas has sold the Northport gym to Darmarius Hill.

“It’s got a lot of history and tradition behind it,” Deas said. “But it’s a new day and a new era.”

That’s exactly what Hill has renamed the place: New Era Boxing and Fitness.

Hill, though, is far from new. He started going to Skyy in 2006, at its old location. When it moved in 2011 to where it is now, across from Kentuck Park, he began coming around much more often until he became a regular.

Well — regular, as in he handles the Golden Gloves team; works on Team Wilder, which trains World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder; and coaches WBC silver U.S. cruiserweight champion Deon Nicholson, who will defend his title Feb. 15 at the Tuscaloosa River Market.

It was only natural for the person everyone calls “Coach Cuz” to become the gym’s next owner.

“I feel different,” Hill said. “I don’t know exactly what it is, but I don’t feel like the same person anymore. I’m more on top of things. I try to make sure if I see something, I straighten it up. Just taking a leadership role.”

Hill never imagined he’d be in this position, but Deas couldn’t think of anyone better when he ultimately did decide to sell.

“It means a lot coming from him because I know he’s a really honest and trustworthy person,” Hill said. “Now it’s on me to take it and go with it. There’s no time for 'Now I’m going to lay back and chill.' Because it’s mine.”

The idea of handing over the reins had been brewing in Deas for a while. He wanted more time to focus on Skyy Promotions and Wilder, who he’ll continue to train at New Era and whose rematch against Tyson Fury is projected to be in April or May. Deas also has his second gym, Skyy South, in Coffeeville to run.

So, the paperwork is being finalized and an official announcement will soon be made.

“I never gave Cuz anything except an opportunity,” Deas said. “He’s always taken advantage of the opportunities and really, to be honest with you, taken things to a different level, to a higher level, every time he’s done something."

New Era will be no different.

Already, the gym’s Facebook page has been more active. An order of 500 updated business cards has been placed. The schedule has been updated with weekend classes and boot camps.

Bigger picture, and beyond what the gym does now, Hill plans to create a youth program and eventually offer local kids a form of transportation to and from the gym. He wants to help them develop not only as boxers but as young adults. Never know who will be the next Wilder or Nicholson.

“What can I say?” Hill said. “It’s a new era. We’re just trying to keep it up, be the best at what we’re doing, keep all the negative outside when you walk in the door and have a positive frame of mind because what you do reflects on others.

“That’s the main thing: Set your goals high, stay positive and basically do the right thing.”

Reach Terrin Waack at twaack@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0229.