NYPD aims to KO violence in BK via youth boxing

Dozens of Red Hook kids came out slugging Saturday to participate in a boxing program police hope will give a one-two punch to violent crime.For 75 years, the Police Athletic League has been operating

News 12 Staff

Apr 1, 2007, 12:06 AM

Updated 6,400 days ago

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Dozens of Red Hook kids came out slugging Saturday to participate in a boxing program police hope will give a one-two punch to violent crime.For 75 years, the Police Athletic League has been operating similar programs across the city to reach at-risk kids. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly joined the festivities. He says there isn?t a sport that takes more discipline than boxing, or one that builds more character. Kelly is a former boxer.On hand were also professional boxers such as Edgar Santana, who says boxing was his ticket off the streets. Johnston Stanley, 10, says he knows how to throw a knockout punch. He trumpets the benefits of training, and the trophies and belt. The Police Athletic League plans to open a new ring in Red Hook over the next few months because the program is growing so quickly.