"It's not about raising the next champion, it's about changing lives," explains Mike Rodgers, president of the Mid-Tennessee Golden Gloves Boxing Gym in La Vergne.
Doors are open every week night as more than 45 boxers continue their regiment to become not only better in the ring, but better as people. Over a year ago, Rodgers resurrected the Golden Gloves, which once had a gym in the area.
With the help of former professional boxers Ken "The Bull" Atkins and Keith McKnight, the 5,000-square-foot gym opened off of Buchanan Street in La Vergne. The quick growth of the program has given a sense of accomplishment to Rodgers, but more obstacles to overcome.
"Nothing is without struggles," says Rodgers. "Children are our future and someone has to give them some sort of direction and we decided to do so. There were lots of people who didn't want to see this happen. But we refused to have the door shut on us. We made it happen and people know that we are willing to put the sweat and hard work to make it available for these kids."
Like numerous others, Rodgers moved to Nashville in hopes of finding country music stardom. But instead, his path led him into a professional boxer's life.
"With both of my parents as boxing coaches, it was meant to be," he says. "I've been training since I was 4 years old and competing since I was 5."
Rodgers, otherwise known as the "Honkytonk Hitman," won the WBF (World Boxing Federation) Cruiserweight Championship and several Golden Gloves (the premier annual amateur competition in the United States).
Rodgers had to blaze his own trail, even though relatives had already found success. He is the son of Hall-of-Fame, world-class cut man and amateur boxing legend Ray Rodgers and a descendant of Hall-of-Fame country artist Jimmie Rodgers. His father is still big in the professional boxing community as an inductee into the Silver and Gold Gloves Hall of Fame as a cutman. His father was recently on Showtime as the cut man in Jermaine Taylor's corner.
But for Mike Rodgers, life is rather simple. Life lessons are the main lessons at his gym as he hopes to send these young boxers into the world prepared.
"It is about hard work, boxing and God," he explains. "We pray at every practice, not to win, but to stay safe. It is a blessing that God has given us the opportunity to do this. Plus, it gives me more opportunity to talk about Jesus Christ than any other time. The kids have to maintain a C average in school because education is imperative and as long as they make good grades they will have no trouble. But not only do I want good boxers, I want good people."
With a few female boxers sprinkled into the mix, Mike Rodgers believes that they have a challenge ahead of them but they have already brought the business down a long and winding path. However, the light is getting brighter at the end of the tunnel. According to Mike Rodgers, the continued negative stigma attached to boxing has been a constant hurdle.
"Especially when it relates to amateur boxing," he says. "Based on the equipment, a boxer has a better chance of getting hurt in a pillow fight than a boxing match. All of the boxers are a little green, even the ones that we take to compete. I work with the more advanced who are ready for boxing competition. None of us are in it to make money, but we are here to change lives."
Admission into the program is free for kids. The only charge is a one-time $40 registration fee, which basically covers insurance costs. Doors are open Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
"There's obviously something going on with kids in this area," Mike Rodgers explains. "They are growing up way too fast and without direction and without values. We have got to slow down the process. I've known boxing my whole life and with boxing and my testimony, maybe I can make things better."
For more information, log on to www.honkytonkhitman.com or call 615-478-7067.
Michelle Burke writes about sports for the Smyrna a.m. She can be reached at mgbsports@gmail.com
