Boxing at the YMCA | ABC30 Fresno | abc30.com

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By ABC30

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Fresno, CA But, with the Y now closed, a group of fighters had a fundraiser Saturday, hoping it will help them find a new place to go.

They throw punches like pros, and glide with ease.

But, after today, many of these young boxers won't have a place to go. "The fact that after 121 years, the y is closing, it's a shock and it hurts for everyone. We're losing our home. Its like a hurricane blew through and after tonight, we're homeless."

The Southeast Fresno Boxing Club has been practicing at the downtown YMCA for years.

Mike Hodgins is the club's president. He said finding a new place won't be difficult, but it will be expensive. It's one reason they invited boxing clubs from around the state to join them for this one-day fundraising tournament.

"This club keeps all of these kids off the streets. Every now and then, we lose one and it's really sad. But for the most part, we have a great track record."

Emilio Adame is one of those kids. He's only been with the club for about five months. But, already he and his mom both agree it's made all the difference in the world .

"Before he started boxing here, he was kinda getting in a little bit of trouble in school and I also have a step-son that got started around the same time as him and their attitude and just you know everything changed, and it's just been a good thing for them."

"I don't know. It like disciplines me into like trying to work hard and not being out there with my friends and doing bad things."

Saturday's tournament raised about three-thousand dollars. So far, the boxing club does not have a new location. But the club's president said they have a few options, and are always looking for more.