SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — A Springfield boxing gym is giving at-risk teens a fighting chance and this month, they’ll host one of New England’s most prestigious amateur tournaments.
Central City Boxing is home to more than 100 youth athletes and over 40 adult athletes. The gym will host the annual Western New England Golden Gloves tournament over the next seven weeks. “Boxing always catered to those kids that don’t have a lot of expendable income, that are at-risk, that are on the streets running around trying to figure out who they want to be,” said Dean Fay, executive director of Central City Boxing and Barbell.
Fay, a retired Springfield police officer of 25 years, knows how important the sport of boxing can be for youth. “My job is to build their confidence so, at some point, they can step through the ropes, knowing that they have the confidence in themselves to be able to push through anything that’s thrown at them and that confidence will exude into their personal lives,” he explained.
The tournament is described as their major championship. Fay noted it’s a great opportunity for his boxers. “And really, to have a place to showcase their talents, to show their family and friends how hard they’ve been working and what they’re able to do. I mean, that’s huge. That’s huge and to be able to reward a kid with an opportunity that he may, he or she, may not necessarily ever get again to be able to travel and see different things and meet different people and experience different things because of their hard work, that’s most important,” he added.
The tournament brings athletes from all across the area, all hoping they’re the last one standing. One of those athletes, Irvin Sanchez, has grown up in Holyoke his whole life and now, he’s training at Central City Gym. “Beautiful, amazing, amazing, amazing opportunity, to be honest. He believed in me, put me right in there, and I’m fighting. It’s, I guess, a dream come true, I guess,” Sanchez said.
Many boxers like Sanchez are waiting for the moment they step in the ring, potentially walking out making history. “Central City is where to go, to be honest, and I just can’t wait for the tournament, to be honest. I’m psyched,” Sanchez added.
No matter who goes home with the title, it’s all about building community. The photos that line the gym’s walls are proof to just that.
Central City Boxing is still looking for sponsors for the tournament.
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