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Claressa Shields Offers Free Boxing Opportunities to Flint Area Youth

Zachary Klingenpeel

Mt. Morris, Michigan – Approximately 90 children and youth ages 7 and up lined up inside AT Fitness and practiced jabs to the rhythm.

Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed women’s world middleweight champion, watched the punches, helped guide the kids and walked the line.

As the kid lowered his hand to his chest after the jab, Shields tapped his glove on his temple to indicate he had left his face vulnerable.

Shields is no stranger to bringing the art of boxing back to her community.

In the past, Shields has hosted free lessons at the same gym, including this year’s summer program. Shields kicked off a new round of free lessons at his gym in Morris Township on Monday, January 9th.

“Boxing saved my life, boxing changed me and made me a better person,” Shields said. “So I want to be able to give back to the community here in Flint. There are so many kids who need an outlet for their anger and stress, just a counselor. I want to build both physically and mentally.”

Boxing lessons are held Monday through Friday from 5pm to 7pm. In his first two days, students learned the basic punches of boxing, including jabs, uppercuts and hooks.

The program is free to students, but Shields Community Outreach Corporation accepts donations from families and other community members participating in the program.

Donations included boxing gear such as gloves, wraps, and cash donations.

Shields has ambitions to expand the program to help children learn to compete in boxing matches.

“Some of the kids here really have a lot of potential and can really fight in the ring,” Shields said. I want to go and let them travel.”

The program has itineraries that help children from learning the basics to working with gloves on the ring.

A team of Shields and volunteers from the Flint area boxing community assisted small groups of students in various phases of the program.

“I am delighted that the Flint and Beecher communities trust me with their children and know that I wish the best for the entire Genesee County,” she said. I want all these kids to just be great.”