SB group offers amateur boxing, support

A San Bernardino organization strives to reduce childhood violence, aggression and trauma.

Ian Franklin has a motto for his organization: “Boxing is what we do. Community is who we are.”

Project Fighting Chance, which Franklin founded, offers a safe place and support for at-risk youths and young adults. The group’s nationally ranked amateur boxing program often draws youths into the program, where they also find a robust after-school programming and a strong support system.

At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the team at Project Fighting Change put its minds to continuing to serve the community and help kids. The organization initiated socially distanced workouts, required masks, checked temperatures and limited the gym to 15 kids at a time.

During normal times, the gym opens its doors to 50 to 60 youths on average every day. Franklin hopes to return to that soon.

Following boxing workouts, youths receive mentoring and homework assistance and can participate in programs that expand their minds and allow them to explore other skills. These programs include chess, art, guitar, writing, spoken word and gardening.

“I think the synergy in everything we do works as a whole,” Franklin said. “Three hours of the day these kids are engaged in positive activity with positive people.”

Though the organization could only host a small number of kids at a time during the pandemic, it continued to look out for the families of its members. Schools were providing students with breakfast and lunch, but the organization realized many were going without dinner. So Project Fighting Chance packed and delivered meals to youths who couldn’t travel. About 70 meals were provided throughout San Bernardino to those in need weekdays.

Franklin also continued to coach fighters with championship dreams during the lockdown. The gym has made a national reputation for itself with star fighters, including “Terrible” Terry Washington, a young fighter who had won five consecutive national championships before closures and restrictions stopped his ability to compete.

Last month in Lubbock, Texas, Washington was back in fighting form, winning a gold medal in boxing at the Junior Olympics. The fighter and his coach have their eyes set on the Paris Olympics in 2024. Franklin has no doubt that they will make it.

“We represent SB Strong all over the county,” Franklin said. “My dream is to see him on that podium and getting the goal medal in Paris.

“The kid is phenomenal and a great athlete.”

Recently, Project Fighting Chance received a grant from Youth Grantmakers through the Inland Empire Community Foundation. The organization depends on grants, donations and fundraisers. Individuals and businesses interested in helping can contact Project Fighting Chance about volunteer opportunities or visit the organization’s website and donate online.

The community also can help by supporting its flagship fundraising event. Project Fighting Chance will host its annual Jab-A-Thon on

Nov. 13 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be on Facebook Live and Zoom.

As kids return to school and things open back up, the group’s programs will be more important than ever, according to Franklin. Stress and isolation can lead to antisocial behavior and challenges for youths at critical stages of social development, he said.

“I think there is going to be a plethora of situations we are going to have to get through and get back on track academically, socially and emotionally,” Franklin said. “We are a support system for these youngsters going through trials and tribulations.”

Information: 909-8389117 or projectfightingchance.org/