ST. LOUIS — Devon Alexander is a three-time world boxing champion.
But now, the 35-year-old St. Louis native is taking his gloves off in hopes of keeping teenagers out of trouble and off the streets.
"This is just a start. I'm excited about it because we want to get to these kids and do something more positive for them," Alexander said.
After he graduated from Vashon High School, Alexander followed his dream to become a boxing champ. He still lives in St. Louis and he said he's tired of seeing kids and teenagers commit crimes, become victims of violence or even lose their lives.
"We have got to do something. Boxing is my platform and I believe it is a tool teens with anger problems or have other issues can use to change their attitudes and change how they feel with people they have problems with," Alexander said.
Through his Devon Alexander Sports Foundation, he's teamed up with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to host quarterly boxing events for young, aspiring boxers.
The champ said he plans to help the boys and girls enhance their moves in the ring, give them life skills and push them "to fight in the ring, not in the neighborhoods."
Alexander said that's more than his slogan.
"I want them to know that if you [were] to get mad at anybody, come to the ring and knock on that bag and you will calm you down. It's very therapeutic. My coaches and I will be there to help them," Alexander said.
"I love boxing and I just want to finish the sport," 13-year-old Jayce Durham said.
The 8th grader recently won his first championship belt during a competition in the Kansas City area.
"I'm looking forward to learning from him. I think him coaching me will help me learn and understand more about boxing," Durham said.
Alexander or "The Great," a nickname, and his team are ready to make "great" and lasting impressions on their mentees in the making.
"It's going to be an amazing experience for our kids. I always knew I was coming back to help my community," Alexander added.
Alexander's first Amateur Boxing Invitational Classic will be held in the gym at Harris-Stowe State University at 5 p.m. Saturday. Amateur Youth Boxing Teams from several states including Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan will attend.
Only two VIP tables are left. Each table seats six people and costs $500 each. For more information, check out the flyer below.
If you'd like to know how you can enroll your child in Alexander's future boxing camps you may call the Devon Alexander Sports Foundation at (636) 233-1789 or the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis at (314) 615-3600.