FIGHTING FOR A SECOND CHANCE

By WBCboxing.com

Inmates clad in beige trousers  lined up for autographs on their yellow shirts from World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman and WBC boxing champions , at the Atlacholoaya prison, in Xochitepec, Morelos.

Sixty prisoners are training on a special boxing program organized by the State of Morelos, with the help and expert participation plus  astute experience of the World Boxing Council.

The aim is rehabilitation of offenders and to work towards them not re-offending.  In the term of Governor Graco Ramirez, which is in its fifth year,  the percentage of re- offending has diminished from the mid thirties in percentage to eleven percent.

Maurico Sulaiman and the Governor gave out boxing kits to participating  inmates who will be applying themselves  over the next three months. There will be training sessions, expert coaching, motivational talks and a grand tournament.

Champion present included: Pipino Cuevas, Issac  “Tortas” Bustos, young Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez.  But the ladies led the way. Jessica Gonzalez and Irma Garcia hit the mitts, helped by Judith Rodríguez and Irma’s trainer.

Dr Eunice Rendon has designed the program to encourage commitment, work ethic and consistency, with purpose. Leading to rehabilitation.

Mauricio said: “It’s great to be here with the inmates who will come out and join their families and society in the near future. Mistakes can be and are made, and then then the challenge is to get off the canvass and win. Part of this program is a trainers certificate, so those who succeed can come out of jail and work as coaches. A second chance.”

Governor Graco Ramirez said: “Boxing mirrors life. There are always difficulties plus hard knocks to be overcome. This boxing program encourages discipline and focus.  It’s part of an initiative which includes education. This a goal providing motivation a path and most importantly hope!”