Boxing experiencing a rebirth in Seattle

The closest most people ever get to a boxing ring is watching a pay-per-view event, Rocky or maybe joining a trendy new club that features boxing-like workouts.

But actual boxing is experiencing a rebirth as kids are now looking at it as an alternative to soccer, football and some of the more traditional sports.

I found Tyler Ferguson working the heavy bag at Cappy’s Gym in the Central District.

The 16-year-old Garfield High student is like a lot of the new generation of boxers who are looking for something different. He traded in his soccer cleats for boxing gloves after 11 years.

“First class I came here, did it, and couldn’t move for about two weeks,” he said.

But then he found hitting the bag and other people to be relaxing and confidence-building. Saturday, he steps into the ring for his first bout.

“Even if I lose, it’s going to be a really good experience,” he said.

Brennan Phelan, 16, has his first fight Saturday at the 3rd Annual Central District Boxing Revival. Boxing, he said, saved his life. Without boxing, this high school dropout said he’d likely be dead.

“I never did good at school,” Phelan said. “I actually suffered from depression. I had problems with alcohol. I was suicidal too. I don’t know if I’d be here without boxing.”

Phelan’s life is now back on track. GED in hand, and he’s applying to work at Cappy’s Gym.

But it’s not just teenage boys getting into this sport. There are kids as young as 6 or 7, lacing up gloves that are bigger than their heads. Some have Olympics dreams, like Phelan. Others just love the things this sport can give them, like confidence, discipline, and self esteem. Things that can carry over into the classroom and their relationships.

More and more girls are entering the ring too, following in the footsteps of Seattle Olympian Queen Underwood. Lynna Nguyen, 17, is one of them.

“I wanted to try something where I knew hard work would pay off,” she said. “After coming here, I got more disciplined. I was more confident with myself, and the relationships that I have at the gym are amazing and I have it nowhere else.”

But boxing requires a dedication like no other sport. You have to give up your other sports, eat a restricted diet and put in a lot time. Then there’s the fear and pain of getting hit.

I boxed in college. That was a huge hurdle for me. I had a helmet and pads to protect me in football. Getting over that fear is a big deal. Amauri Boss, 15, knows that all too well.

“Taking the first punch,” he said. “I didn’t like it.”

But giving a good punch is a different story. It is always better to give than to receive when it comes to boxing.

Behind this next generation of fighters are dedicated coaches and mentors, people who know, first hand, how this sport can change lives.

Coaches like Tricia Turton wants the entire community to celebrate these dedicated kids who are pushing themselves to the limit.

“The entire community coming together, and the kids getting in the ring and being really brave giving and taking punches for everybody to see,” says Turton.

The community can turn out Saturday night at the Garfield Community Center to watch these kids in action, beginning at 6 p.m.