Cincinnati has a rich boxing history.Now, the next generation is stepping into the ring."This is not about putting kids in a ring and letting them hit up on each other. These kids are being coached. They're being trained. These kids have discipline," said director of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Daniel Betts.Inside the Millvale Recreation Center could be the next Ezzard Charles.Leaders with the Stop the Violence Boxing Event said a future in boxing is a great possibility.But even more immediate is the opportunity to practice and spend time in a safe space."To help young people understand that there are alternatives to picking up guns," Betts said.Cincinnati has seen a rise in gun crime among teens.Organizers of the boxing event said this is a chance to find another path other than violence.Frank Rhodes grew up in the West End to become a successful boxer.Now he's back teaching."The reason I'm here is all about the kids. Keeping these kids off the streets," Rhodes said.He said coaches are father figures and boxing is an outlet for frustration.Others said it's a way for them to make a difference. "Be a part of a solution in our city to have young people see that there is a different approach to getting their anxiety out, expressing themselves," Betts said.Organizers hope it's a solution to a deadly problem that may lead kids down a path they didn't know was possible."We're here to try to shine the light on a positive aspect. Get these kids off the street and doing better with their lives," said service area coordinator Lonnie Jenkins.All proceeds go back to the center for teen memberships and programming.Organizers hope to bring this program to all 52 neighborhoods in the city.
Cincinnati has a rich boxing history.
Now, the next generation is stepping into the ring.
"This is not about putting kids in a ring and letting them hit up on each other. These kids are being coached. They're being trained. These kids have discipline," said director of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Daniel Betts.
Inside the Millvale Recreation Center could be the next Ezzard Charles.
Leaders with the Stop the Violence Boxing Event said a future in boxing is a great possibility.
But even more immediate is the opportunity to practice and spend time in a safe space.
"To help young people understand that there are alternatives to picking up guns," Betts said.
Cincinnati has seen a rise in gun crime among teens.
Organizers of the boxing event said this is a chance to find another path other than violence.
Frank Rhodes grew up in the West End to become a successful boxer.
Now he's back teaching.
"The reason I'm here is all about the kids. Keeping these kids off the streets," Rhodes said.
He said coaches are father figures and boxing is an outlet for frustration.
Others said it's a way for them to make a difference.
"Be a part of a solution in our city to have young people see that there is a different approach to getting their anxiety out, expressing themselves," Betts said.
Organizers hope it's a solution to a deadly problem that may lead kids down a path they didn't know was possible.
"We're here to try to shine the light on a positive aspect. Get these kids off the street and doing better with their lives," said service area coordinator Lonnie Jenkins.
All proceeds go back to the center for teen memberships and programming.
Organizers hope to bring this program to all 52 neighborhoods in the city.
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