City Helps Local Boxing Club Go Toe-to-Toe against Youth Violence

Cincinnati has a long, proud legacy of producing world-class boxers. From Ezzard Charles and Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, to Adrien Broner, the Queen City is no stranger to homegrown champion fighters.

Oasis Elite Boxing Club, which operates from Dohn Community High School in Walnut Hills, promises to produce some of their own champions, both inside the ring, and out. Their program “Punching for Peace” is an anti-violence initiative that brings young people together in an effort to find solutions to violence by means of intervention, as well as prevention.

The City of Cincinnati in recognizing the program’s value to the community has gifted the boxing club $5,000. That money has since been used in a variety of ways, such as purchasing new heavy bags and other equipment for the students to use as well as a new track. The funds also went toward paying for necessary ceiling repairs and the installation of new lighting.

• PHOTOS FROM INSIDE THE GYM

“The work that Punching for Peace does to curb violence, offer structure and camaraderie, and provide a positive outlet for our city’s youth is absolutely vital to the community,” said City Manager Harry Black.

Drew Williams, the program’s director sees boxing as a platform for teaching invaluable life lessons and instilling discipline. He also sees the gym as a safe haven for the youth that frequent the club.

Williams recognizes that some of the kids that go to Oasis Elite Boxing Club are exposed to violence on a regular basis and are in need of direction. Punching for Peace, he says, urges youths to “put down the guns, and pick up the gloves.”

“The money (from the City) has allowed our vision to better come to life, and the success of the program is obvious. These kids want to stay out of trouble. They’re here every day, working hard,” Williams added.

There’s certainly no shortage of mentors for the young people who frequent the gym to work with. Local champions Adrien Broner and Rau’shee Warren both regularly train at the gym. The success of these fighters gives up-and-comers something great to aspire to. Four of the gym’s young boxers are now nationally ranked and dreaming of Olympic gold.

The program also provides a forum for young people – mostly high schools students – to talk about some of the violence they’ve witnessed or been victims of, themselves. During these discussions the teens are encouraged to do most of the talking while the adults engage in active listening.

For more information about the Punching for Peace program, you may contact the Oasis Elite Boxing Club through Facebook.