Racine boxing gym; owner hopes to changes lives in his community | FOX6 Milwaukee

Racine boxing gym; owner hopes to changes lives in his community

The statistics are a punch in the gut. Racine police say there were more than 260 kids arrested in the city in 2024. That is higher than any of the last four years. But there is one man who wants to turn those numbers around.  

Boxing Saves Lives Academy

What we know:

On a Wednesday night in Racine, Jerome Lambert is just getting started. He lets his guard down – all while training kids to keep theirs up. It is a role he said fits him like a glove. 

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It was about two years ago when Lambert started Boxing Saves Lives Academy in Racine. He trains classes of teens – all the way to the youngest of clients, like his 9-year-old daughter. 

Gym with special name

What they're saying:

"It makes my heart sing, you know, seeing these kids happy," Lambert said. 

For Lambert, the name of his gym, Boxing Saves Lives Academy, has special meaning. 

"The sport, it actually saved my life," Lambert said. "I was dibbling and dabbling in the streets."

Jerome Lambert

Lambert said one day after watching boxing matches on TV as a teen, he saw himself getting off the streets and into the ring instead. 

From discipline and determination to the euphoric feeling of victory, it is the same opportunity he wants to pass on to kids – especially those not making the right choices in life.

"The more kids we get to boxing, maybe somebody might not go pick up a gun and shoot someone," Lambert said. 

Jerome Lambert

Racine crime data

By the numbers:

Racine police say as of December 2024, about 265 juveniles had been arrested or suspected in a variety of crimes in the city. That is an increase from 167 the year before – and more than 2020, 2021 and 2022 combined. 

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Lambert told FOX6 News, he hopes to grow Boxing Saves Lives Academy enough to start boxing competitions throughout the city. 

 "As long as I make these kids a better version of themselves, I’m happy," Lambert said. 

The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.

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