EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (First Alert 4) – For Arthur \u201cFlash\u201d Johnson, boxing has always been about more than winning fights.<\/p>\n
The former professional boxer and Olympian is now focused on helping young people find purpose, discipline and opportunity through the sport that changed his life.<\/p>\n
Johnson is hosting the fourth annual Guns & Violence Boxing Invitational on Saturday in East St. Louis. The event is designed to give young people positive opportunities through boxing while promoting anti-violence efforts in the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe inspiration came from wanting to give back, wanting to leave an imprint,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
Johnson said many of the young athletes he works with face challenges outside the gym. However, boxing can provide a healthy outlet and a new perspective.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese kids have been challenged by outside influences,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cWhen they come to this gym and we get them in here, their mind and their focus switch to something altogether different because now they know there\u2019s another way to take out their frustration.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson\u2019s boxing career took him from East St. Louis to the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. He later turned professional, competed for world titles and was promoted by legendary boxing promoter Don King.<\/p>\n
Today, Johnson spends much of his time mentoring young athletes through his youth boxing program. He said the lessons learned in the ring \u2014 including discipline, confidence and perseverance \u2014 can help young people succeed far beyond the sport itself.<\/p>\n
The Guns & Violence Boxing Invitational will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence in East St. Louis.<\/p>\n
The event is organized by the Arthur Johnson Foundation in partnership with United Congregations of Metro East.<\/p>\n
Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door.<\/p>\n
Johnson said boxing opened doors he never imagined possible, and he hopes to provide those same opportunities to the next generation.<\/p>\n
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