Introducing the TJCA Boxing Club: Bringing “The Sweet Science” to a New Generation

Local School Resource Officer Introduces Boxing Club to Rutherford County

AVONDALE — With the rise of the TJCA Boxing Club, boxing is making a comeback in Rutherford County thanks to Luis Hernandez, the school resource officer at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. The boxing club was created as a way to help students adjust post-COVID and to introduce them to the benefits of the sport.

Hernandez, a former resident of Brooklyn, New York, credits boxing for keeping him out of trouble as a youth and believes it can provide similar benefits to today’s students. “Boxing did so much for me,” he said. “You get out of it what you put in. If you work hard, you get the benefits of self-confidence, self-discipline, hard work, and determination, not to mention the cardiovascular benefits. Boxing releases dopamine and ephedrine naturally. It makes you feel great.”

After two and a half years of hard work, the TJCA Boxing Club hosted its inaugural tournament on Friday, May 17th. The event, which featured seven bouts with three-minute rounds, drew hundreds of spectators to the TJCA Middle School gym. Fundraising efforts for the club were successful, with support from local businesses and the community.

Hernandez’s goal with the boxing club goes beyond winning bouts. He emphasizes sportsmanship, respect, and diversity, as fighters from various cultural backgrounds participated in the tournament. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand the club’s reach to include students from other schools in the county and possibly introduce divisions for younger and older participants.

For those interested in getting involved with the TJ Boxing Club or providing support, they can contact Luis Hernandez at [email protected].

The tournament results were as follows:

– Jude Fountain defeated Tyler Fedyshyn by Unanimous Decision
– David Magana defeated John Calabro by Unanimous Decision
– Bella Hernandez defeated Yasmin White by Split Decision
– Billy Oh defeated Chris Byers by Medical Reason
– Dylan Twitty defeated Saxton Riggs by Medical Reason
– Kalil McDowell defeated Cristian Escalera by Split Decision
– Gabe Zuniga defeated Elias Santiago by Unanimous Decision

It’s clear that with the determination and passion of individuals like Luis Hernandez, boxing is set to become a prominent sport in Rutherford County once again.