Augusta Boxing Club makes ‘you the best version of yourself’

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Boxing Club is celebrating 50 years, and they have a huge boxing match coming up to mark the anniversary.

Their goal has always been to keep the youth off the streets and into a structured, safe environment.

We spoke with a couple of the kids there about what it’s like to be a part of the club.

“I learned that it is a lot of hard work, but it definitely pays off. Everyone in here, they work with you to make you the best version of yourself,” said TJ Nalley.

Nalley has been coming to the Augusta Boxing Club for more than a year.

“I started coming here because my dad passed away so I just figured it would be a good place to get that anger out,” said Nalley.

Nalley is now gearing up for the 50th-anniversary boxing match alongside 8-year-old Gary Thomas.

Thomas says this place is where he lets out his emotions.

“If someone is getting bullied or hurt, I can help out, and this is where I show my anger out at so I can punch bags,” said Thomas.

And punching bags is what he is good at.

Rayonta Whitfield has been the director for 16 years. It’s a place where he started training at 10 years old.

“It’s been a long road. Boxing has done so much for me and the kids, and the community, so going on 50 years is such a great accomplishment for us,” said Whitfield.

Whitfield says what they teach goes beyond just boxing.

“We can help them with school and different things and their journey on life and keep them out of trouble, so that’s what we structure our program on, the kids,” said Whitfield.

More than 80 kids come to the Augusta Boxing Club. Whitfield says no kid is ever turned away.

Whether you’re a teenager, eight years old, a news photographer or a news anchor, there’s a place here for you.

Thomas said: “If you want to come here, you have to train hard and you will get better and better every time. I started out, I was not doing too good, but as I kept going, I got better and better.”

Their 50th-anniversary boxing match will take place on July 27 at May Park Community Center at 1 p.m.

The proceeds benefit the Augusta Boxing Club and their scholarships for families that cannot afford it.

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