Boxing Club in Santa Rosa Knocks Out Gang Violence
Over 25 years ago in 1991, Richard and Maria Lopez started Double Punches Boxing Club out of their garage in Santa Rosa, California. They wanted to create a safe place with a supportive environment for the children in their neighborhood that were prone to gang lifestyles. In 2010, Double Punches was officially adopted as a part of the Salvation Army. Together they provide an outlet for young people with low confidence and academic success by using boxing and academic tutoring to develop self-worth.
This program has nurtured students to pursue competitive events such as the Junior Olympics. Currently, the club has 40 members, both boys and girls ranging from ages 8 to 40. With sports such as mixed martial arts and boxing becoming so popular, one can expect this program to grow even more and produce amazing athletes from it.