CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Members of the Oasis Elite Boxing Club are intensifying their efforts to find a new home after the abrupt closure of Dohn Community High School in March left them without a training space.
The club, which has served as a safe haven for young boxers, is struggling to maintain its community and discipline without a permanent location.
Members of the Oasis Elite Boxing Club are intensifying their efforts to find a new home after the abrupt closure of Dohn Community High School in March left them without a training space. (WKRC)
“I got a lot of love for the kids. I do this because I love it,” said Daryll Jones, who has been training young boxers for 37 years, including the last five at Dohn.
The closure forced Jones and club director Andrew Williams to quickly gather what they could from the gym.
“When I hear we have 24 hours to get out of the building, I’m in shock,” said Williams.
The gym is now padlocked, leaving their boxing ring and equipment inaccessible. The club has been moving from gym to gym, but the lack of a stable location is affecting the kids.
Members of the Oasis Elite Boxing Club are intensifying their efforts to find a new home after the abrupt closure of Dohn Community High School in March left them without a training space. (WKRC)
“That’s hard because you’re asking a kid that’s coming from this area, Avondale, Bond Hill, to go to Millville, or to go downtown, or Norwood,” said Williams.
Williams and Jones are seeking funding to secure a permanent home, ideally back at the closed school, and have been in contact with State Rep. Cecil Thomas to explore options for retrieving their equipment.