A movement created in 2019 by residents of The Bronx seeks to prevent many young people from falling into vice or violence, through boxing.
“Always in my life I thought that things were going to be bad, boxing would lift me up,” says Carlos Dupré.
Boxer “Carlitos” prepares to fight at the “Guns Down, Gloves Up” event, put down your weapons and put on your gloves, of the Knuckle Up community movement.
“This movement is very big, you know, and the guys who box for Knuckle Up is a good thing, because people are going to say if it was me or someone else, we can be on the street doing bad things,” adds “Carlitos.”
Bad things, meaning drug use or any type of violence that affects the community. According to the founder of the movement, some of these boxers want to avoid falling into addictions and have formed a support group.
“They feel good because they are not using (drugs) now, they are looking for another way to express themselves and I am proud of that,” says Ángel Rosado, founder of the Knuckle Up movement.
He created the movement in 2019 to offer a platform for young people to have free boxing training. Also to offer a space to young artists in the community.
“Everything is not violence, although the events are fighting but it is with a purpose. It is not a fight because there is a problem, but a fight so that they learn that they do not have to use weapons, but they can use their fists if necessary,” adds Rosado.
It is the reason why boxer Jorge Calixto “Pollo” says he brings his children.
“Give them motivation, to be positive, more than anything to keep a positive mind.”
And with that mentality, many mothers in the community want their children to also be part of the movement.
“Something to see in the future is that I have such a day to fight, and so focused on it that I’m not focused on the partying or on the street,” says Lourdes Torres, a resident of The Bronx.
Free trainings are available for men and women who want to learn about this fascinating sport.
For more information about free training and events, you can contact the Instagram account: Official Knuckle Up.
