Fighters gear up for Metro Detroit Golden Gloves

Image 1 of 2

Fighters are gearing up for the Metro Detroit Golden Gloves from Thursday to Sunday at the Kronk Boxing Community Center.

"I think the Golden Gloves in boxing benefits the kids," said trainer Javan Sugar Hill. "It teaches them discipline; it motivates them, and teaches them values of life that go beyond boxing."

This is a dream opportunity for an up-and-comer in the ring. The winners from the regional and state tournaments will fight in the nationals in May in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"It's a franchise that has a lot of history and tradition," Hill said. "My uncle Emmanuel won the golden gloves in 1963."

Hill, a world-class trainer and the nephew of Emanuel Steward, is helping fighters get ready in Detroit.

"Some of the greatest things I learned from my uncle Emanuel Steward is to treat people how you want to be treated," he said. "Always give people a chance no matter who they are."

Hill said the boxers learn lessons that carry beyond the ring, and it puts young men who live in the inner city on the right path.

"A lot of negative things that are in the streets that they can come in encounter with, being in the gym takes them away from that," he said. "You take the kids out of town (and) they see new places. In the streets, they're going the same neighborhood over and over again."

Event sponsors include Peter and Danialle Karmanos, Mad Dog Technology, Greektown Casino-Hotel and more. For more information about Metro Detroit Golden Gloves, visit detroitgoldengloves.org.