Stick N Move Boxing in York held their second annual Gloves Up, Guns Down event to combat gun violence
YORK, Pa. — At Stick N Move Boxing success in the ring is about more than just throwing a crisp jab and having fast feet.
The York based boxing gym held their second annual Gloves Up, Guns Down boxing event to fight gun violence and promote fighting in the ring instead of outside it.
Stick N Move teaches their boxers that the real fight is not just with the opponent in front of you but the mental battle that goes into strapping out the gloves.
“You have to see things in slow motion that’s coming at you fast. You can’t overreact, can’t get angry. You know, a lot of people associate boxing with fighting, but it’s not. It’s very mental. It’s more mental than anything.” says Antwoine Dorm, the owner of the non-profit Stick N Move.
Gloves up, Guns Down showcases those mental battles along with promoting a safer and stronger community. With 15 different bouts between 30 fighters, the day was about more than just showcasing combinations and footwork. It was a way for the fighters to demonstrate the hard work and discipline that makes them effective in the ring and share it with their community.
“The discipline, coming here every day, having a community with each other. Like you come here, I don’t feel judged. I feel welcome. It’s a welcoming environment.” says Everett Scanlon, a boxer whose been with Stick N Move for over 4 years.
And while winning in the ring leads to hoisting a belt, the lessons learned on the canvas and how they can be used out the ring are the true trophy. By learning to fight in the ring boxers with Stick N Move learn to fight their opponents, their struggles and their self-doubt.
“It’s a lot to be a boxer. You got the condition, you got the mental, you got the doubt, you’re being judged. It’s A lot. It’s a lot to go through. So it transfers over even to school and even in real life.” said Dorm.