SOCORRO, Tx., November 24, 2025: The City of Socorro issued a public warning last week urging residents to report what officials described as “fighting rings” forming in local parks. But the organizers behind the viral sparring videos say city leaders have misunderstood the purpose of their gatherings – arguing the sessions are structured, supervised, and intended to prevent violence, not create it.
The group, known online as RT Fades, has gained a large following for posting videos of what they call controlled boxing-style sparring among young men. City officials say the activity poses a public safety risk, but the organizers say that characterization ignores the structure, purpose, and rules they’ve put in place.
According to founders Ricky & Timmy, the effort began informally to defuse conflicts within their own friend group before arguments escalated.
“It started simple – just giving our own friends a safe way to settle an argument,” Timmy said. “After a quick spar, everyone was calm again. No grudges, no drama. That’s when we realized this actually worked.”
They say street conflicts among teens and young adults have become increasingly dangerous, with disputes escalating directly to weapons instead of fistfights.
“El Paso has been dealing with a lot of gun violence,” Ricky said. “Kids don’t fight anymore – they go straight to the worst choices. We wanted to give them a safer, controlled alternative.”
A Structured System of Rules, Not Street Fights
The pair describe their meetups as “supervised sparring sessions,” not the type of hostile fights that the city’s warning suggests. They say the sessions have strict rules: no wrestling, no jumping in, no attempts to knock anyone out, and immediate stoppage if emotions escalate.
Participants use 18-ounce gloves, headgear is available, and several adults supervise every session.
“There’s no ego, no trying to hurt someone,” Ricky said. “If someone starts getting overwhelmed, we stop it right away. After every session, they shake hands and hug it out.”
They say the activity resembles other sports commonly played in parks.
“People play soccer, football, basketball at the park,” Timmy said. “We’re doing the same — staying active, training, and keeping each other accountable.”
Community Support and Positive Impact
The group’s online following has grown quickly, with many young people sending videos of themselves training and messages about how the boxing sessions helped them stay active, cope with stress, or avoid negative influences.
RT Fades has also organized community events, including a recent toy drive for families in need.
“People think this is about fighting,” Ricky said. “It’s really about discipline, mental strength, and giving young people a positive outlet.”
Organizers Push Back on City’s Warning
Socorro officials have not identified any specific incidents tied to the group but urged residents to report “unsafe, hostile or violent activities” in parks. Ricky and Timmy believe the city’s warning misrepresents what they do.
“We’re not running a fighting ring,” they said. “We’re preventing the kind of real violence that happens when conflicts go unchecked. We’re trying to keep problems off the streets.”
They say no one from the City of Socorro has reached out to speak with them directly.
The only official contact they’ve received came from county staff at Ascarate Park, who told them they needed an event permit and insurance – requirements the organizers say do not match their informal, small-group training sessions.
Open to Collaboration
Despite the warning, the organizers say they are open to working with city officials on a solution that keeps the activity safe and properly structured.
“If the city wants structure, we’re ready to talk,” Timmy said. “We just want a safe place where young people can challenge themselves and stay out of trouble.”
Looking Forward
Ricky and Timmy say RT Fades’ long-term goal is to build a broader community movement focused on discipline, accountability, mental and emotional health, and positive alternatives to violence.
“Young people want guidance and structure,” Ricky said. “This gives them a way to stay active, stay focused, and stay on a better path.”
Photo credit: RT Fades Facebook
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