TAMPA, Fla. — There’s been a lot of talk about how to fight gun violence, but Juda Hicks has found that boxing gloves speak louder than words.

“Boxing is like discipline,” Hicks said, “You got to be very disciplined. You got to have hard courage. Once you learn how to protect yourself, you don’t need a gun.”  

As an answer to recent gun violence like the shooting incident that claimed the life of Sunni Bell, 4, who was struck by a bullet shot into the car she was in, Juda helped start the Neighborhood Boxing League in Tampa.

Dozens of young men and women of color have learned to settle differences in the ring instead of the streets.

Deangelo “Pielay” Marino said getting involved with the league helped save his life. 

“It’s good cause. I can take all my anger out on the person that I’m fighting,” Pielay said, “So after the fight I’ll be like straight. I’ll be like this man’s friend. It just releases a lot of stress. It’s like I be needing that sometime.”  

With help from another local group, Mind Over Matter, they’re also offering tutoring and other services to give these men a fighting chance outside the ring too.

Hicks said he knows he’s taking on one of the biggest problems in underserved communities, gun violence. But he also knows in boxing everyone roots for the underdog. 

“At least I know when I pass,” Hicks said, “at least I gave my all to show people that we can do better.”