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Bomb Squad Boxing: Preventing violence with boxing

Posted at 11:50 PM, May 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-09 03:32:16-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Violence preventing violence. Oversimplified, it doesn't seem to make sense. But, at the Bomb Squad Academy Center for boxing on Buffalo's East Side, it does.

“You'd rather have this kind of violence, then turning to guns,” said Curtis Vance, a member of the academy.

Just about anyone, at any age can fight or, more importantly, learn to fight. But, it's more than a workout. “It's not just about boxing, it's about teaching them, guiding them, being a good mentor,” said Bomb Squad Head Coach Terry Williams, during the day, he works for Kaleida Health.

Coach Terry's team includes John Elmore. He packs a punch. The lawyer by day, expects great things of the kids who come to box.

“This is not a place where we're trying to reform drug dealers and gang bangers and stuff like this. This is a place where kids can come and this is a safe haven and protection from things like those things,” said Elmore.

Boxing did those things for Coach Terry.

“It kept me focus. It kept me positive. It kept me out of the streets,” said Williams.

He knows it can work for the young fighters here and elsewhere.

“Guns down, knuckle up,” added Coach Terry.