North Providence Boxing Club Empowers Children and Teaches Discipline

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The general rule of thumb is that you can’t talk about Fight Club.

But you can always talk about the Good Boys Club that meets weekly at Legendary Boxing in North Providence.

“The Good Boys Club is a program built on mentoring,” said trainer Tessa Herbold. “It’s something that’s very important to us.”

Legendary boxer Michael McRae told 12 News that the Good Boys Club is designed to help kids become the best they can be.

“It combines physical activity, mental toughness and team spirit,” McRae explained. “When we all come together in this gym, magic happens.”

Coach Adonis Teixeira decided to join the Good Boys Club so he could teach the next generation the importance of treating others with kindness, respect and dignity.

“These kids are learning how to be better emotionally and physically,” Teixeira said. “It’s an important aspect of life to always be strong.”

Herbold said the Good Boys Club meets Mondays from 5 to 6 p.m.

“We work on building their confidence while teaching them boxing techniques,” Herbold said. “It’s a great way to give back to the community.”

“The kids seem to really enjoy it,” McRae added.

Herbold said the children are cared for not only by adults but also by high school students like Teixeira.

“Times are not getting easier and it is extremely important for these kids to be able to turn to older mentors that they can rely on. I think that is extremely important,” he said.

The goal of legendary boxing owner Jarrod Tillinghast is to one day give the Good Boys Club the opportunity to provide scholarships to high school graduates.

“I have the opportunity to give these young kids something to hold on to,” Tillinghast said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Although the last session of the Good Boys Club is coming to an end, a new one begins this fall. For more information, contact Legendary Boxing at (401) 263-6600.

Herbold added that most of the kids don’t have their own gloves or equipment, so Legendary Boxing is always accepting donations.

Johnny Villella contributed to this report.