Kelly Hoskins and Megan Mueller
14 minutes ago
ST. LOUIS – Two former world champion boxers from St. Louis are working to give inner-city youth a fighting chance.
Arthur Johnson and Devon Alexander expressed concern about recent youth violence in the community. An amateur boxing event this weekend is encouraging kids to fight in the ring instead of in their neighborhood.
“I understand what kids are going through, and I understand exactly what their daily lives are like. I grew up in north St. Louis, so when I walk down the street I know exactly when I hear the gunshots,” Alexander said. “It's not a normal environment for kids anyway…I want to help these kids with facilitation that helps them know that they can do it.”
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis partnered with multiple world boxing champions Johnson and Alexander for this event.
“I always tell people that boxing is life, because there are knockdowns, right? So when you get knocked down, don't get down. Get up,” Johnson said. “Life has all those things. It teaches them that responsibility. It teaches them that they need redirection.”
Participants will take to the ring at Harris-Stowe State University on Saturday. Jurion Smith, 12, said activities like this inspire young people in St. Louis and other major cities.
“It defuses my angry outbursts, helps my attitude, and helps my patience,” Smith said. “And honestly, it's helped me become a better person overall.”
Event organizers say boxing has had a huge impact on their lives and helped them get on the right track.
“We have to be concerned about what's coming out of today's youth. The City of St. Louis, the County of St. Louis, East St. Louis, our young people really need help,” said the Urban League. James Clark said. “(We are) committed to providing young people with a visible way to express themselves.”
To purchase tickets for the event, click here or call 314-599-5375.
