Youth boxing club opens on Grove Street

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new idea of change started today on Grove Street. One boxer hopes left hooks and right jabs can be an avenue away from violence in Chattanooga.

Michael Dawson moved his family from Cincinnati to Chattanooga last year. Now, he’s tranforming one building near the Grove Street apartments into a boxing ring.

Once a professional fighter, Dawson believes boxing can help the troubled areas of the city, by giving kids an outlet after school.

He says he does it all for his son, who he has coached to numerous boxing medals and trophies.

“There’s a lot of trouble going on over here,” Dawson said. “A lot of killings, shootings, going on almost every other day, once a week at least. And I feel like I can help these youth, because I was also coming up in a bad environment, troubled teen. I had a dark history, you know, and I wanted to take a give back to the community. Take these streets. And I know I can help these kids, same way I helped my son.”

Boxing classes are open to everyone, young and old. Dawson plans to hold lessons for kids Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at 1200 Grove Street. Adults are also welcome during the daytime Monday through Friday.

The lessons cost $40 per child per month and $60 for adults. If a family has more than one child, each additional child will be $20.