NBC Nightly News ran a "Making a Difference" segment in 2013 on the Downtown Youth Boxing Gym. At that time, the gym was about to run out of funds and turn off the lights.
The gym, at 4760 Saint Aubin Street, mentors children and teaches them how to box, get physically fit and do better in school. Tutors come to help. It emphasizes "books before boxing."
On Wednesday night, NBC's Rehema Ellis visited the gym and had some good news.
NBC reported that viewers, stars and companies responded to the first report last year with donations and goods. The gym currently has 65 kids as members, and a waiting list of more than 400. It hopes to move into a bigger space so it can accommodate more children.
The gym also boasts of a 100 percent graduation rate from school, compared to the overall 65 percent the Detroit Public Schools experiences.
Carlos Sweeney, who goes by the name "Coach Khali," tells NBC's Ellis that he's not looking to produce the next Muhammad Ail. Instead, he says, he'd rather produce the next Bill Gates or Donald Trump.
--- Allan Lengel
