“My Grandpa, He Passed Away Last Week”: Floridian Mom Helps At-Risk Youths by Running Boxing Gym With Her Kids

In Boynton Beach, a boxing ring echoes with more than punches. It’s the sound of lives changing. Can a boxing gym turn the tide for at-risk youths? This unusual story begins with Annett Ernst, a Danish mother. She poured her life’s savings into a dream. That dream? Lights Out Boxing.

Here, gloves aren’t just for fighting; they’re tools for building futures. The gym was born from a family’s passion. Annett’s son, Christan, and other local youths find refuge and purpose within these walls. Their words, filled with dreams and determination, reveal a deeper fight. A fight for a better life.

How ‘Lights Out Boxing’ became South Florida’s hub for young boxers

Nestled in the heart of Boynton Beach, Lights Out Boxing gym emerges as a sanctuary for young dreamers and fighters. Annett Ernst, the visionary behind this endeavor, explained, “We started my two sons and my daughter. We opened a little boxing first and just grew on.” Her investment was more than financial; it was an emotional and familial commitment to change lives.

Transitioning from its humble beginnings, the gym now boasts a vibrant community. Annett shares, “My sons both run classes, and my daughter runs the boot camp. It’s our whole lifestyle, and we enjoy doing it.” This familial involvement is a cornerstone of the gym’s ethos.

Christan Ernst, Annett’s son, embodies the gym’s spirit. With an impressive 8-2 amateur record, his aspirations soar high. “It’s great,” he says. “This is what I do. I love fighting. It’s my favorite thing to do.” His ambitions extend beyond the local ring, eyeing the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He adds, “I learn most from my losses. It hurts, but when I lose, I know that I need to learn more and that I need to get back in the gym and get better.”

Similarly, Jensen Perez, another young boxer at the gym, brings his own story of resilience and dedication. Travelling an hour for his passion, Jensen’s resolve is palpable. “Losing is not an option,” he asserted. “I have somebody to dedicate this fight to. My grandpa he passed away last week and he was supposed to come to this fight. I gotta win for him.” His record stands at 2-2, but his ambitions reach far beyond, as he plans for the Olympics and a professional career.

The gym, under Annett’s leadership, has grown into a hub for amateur boxing in South Florida, hosting significant events and nurturing local talent. This growth is not just in numbers but in the impact it has on each individual who walks through its doors.

Also Read: WATCH: Renowned Broadcaster Kate Abdo Trains With Deontay Wilder’s Coach Malik Scott

So, what does Lights Out Boxing truly represent? It’s more than a training ground; it’s a place where challenges are met with courage. How can we, in our own communities, create similar spaces that uplift and empower our youth?

Watch this story: 5 Boxers to Look Out for at This Year’s Tokyo Olympics