After an article about a group of boys allegedly involved in illegal street fighting, the Record was invited by organiser Steven Fisher to experience the events first hand.
Fisher explained that he organised the fights to give the boys an alternative to drugs and a life of petty crime. “What we need now is a hall or something similar. Any support would be welcomed,” pleaded Fisher.
Read the initial article here:
Street brawling hits the streets of Florida
Initially, the fighting was blown out of proportion with allegations about bare-knuckle fighting until the blood flows and betting by adults on the outcome. Later a different story emerged. First off, the youngsters, mostly in their teens, use boxing gloves. Bouts are five minutes long, divided into two rounds of 2,5 minutes per round. The Record witnessed that the fighters were searched beforehand for any dangerous items they might be hiding. Advice is given by Fisher, other adults and the fighters. It is also clear that the young men have received a degree of boxing training and skills.
Ironically, the fights, which take place in 5th Avenue, are only a hundred metres away from one of the hottest drug spots in Florida. In the opposite direction, illegal gambling takes place and opposite the site of the fights is a well-known drug house. But the boys and Fisher are undeterred.
There is also great camaraderie among the competitors. They heed the referees calls to stop fights to attend to injuries and hug each other after the fights.
Almost all the boys tell tales of drug-taking and being involved in crime on the streets of Florida. All had the same things to say. “This takes me away from crime”, “It’s made me a better person” and “It’s built my self-confidence” are just some of their positive statements.
Anyone who wants to help or support Fisher can contact him on 083 964 4870.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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