“Gloves up, guns down.” This is the motto of the Hopkinsville Boxing Club, an organization that mentors the youth of Christian County through the discipline of boxing.
For 43 years, founder and coach Anthony Wimpye has worked with young men and women in Hopkinsville as a boxing coach and mentor.
At the Hopkinsville Kiwanis meeting Thursday, Boxing Club Secretary/Treasurer Pam Hilliard told the group the club is more than just a sports program — it’s a holistic mentoring program that reaches into the lives of the most forgotten and invisible children.
These children are the members of the Hopkinsville Boxing Club.
Throughout the club’s existence, boxers have claimed titles such as silver gloves and golden gloves, and have even participated in the Junior Olympics. Wimpye adds he also trained former Hopkinsville mayor Carter Hendricks when he was in the club.
For many years, Wimpye kept the program going using his personal income, but 3 years ago, a 501(c)(3) was formed to help expand the organization so that more young people could participate.
Hilliard says their immediate hope is to expand their equipment.
Future plans of the club include:
– Offer scholarships for students unable to afford the fees and required medical exam.
– Create an after-school tutoring/mentoring program.
– Provide transportation to practice and meets.
– Train young men and women as coaches for future generations.
Wimpye says the foundation of the club isn’t about boxing — it’s just a door to open for the kids to go through.
Since last year, Wimpye says he’s confiscated over 22 guns from kids.
He says the club has seven rules that all boxers follow:
1. Give all praise to God
2. Obey your parents
3. Get good grades in school
4. Don’t fight in the streets
5. Don’t fight in school
6. Stay away from drugs
And most importantly —
7. Don’t play with guns
Saturday, July 29 at 6 p.m., the club is hosting a family day at their gym, located at 600 Davenport Ln. The event is free, but they will accept donations.
They will also host a sanctioned boxing match Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Hopkinsville Justice Center. Club members will compete with boxers from all over the area. The entrance fee is $10. Hilliard adds volunteers are needed for this event.
Both boys and girls, ages 8 and up can participate in the Boxing Club.
Contact the Hopkinsville Boxing Club at (270) 987-0102.
