Rio suburb's street boxing gives youth a fighting chance
In Belford Roxo a poor Rio suburb weekly street boxing matches are drawing crowds. The project UFP1 gives local youth an alternative to crime offering them a chance to learn boxing and maybe even pursue it as a career
In a Rio suburb known for its high crime rates‚ an unusual sight unfolds every Tuesday night. Young people gather to box in the open air‚ not to cause trouble but to learn a sport and maybe change their lives.
The event called Ultimate Fighting Praca 1 (UFP1) has been happening for about 16 months now. It takes place from 10 pm to 1:30 am‚ drawing more and more spectators to watch the matches.
Michel dos Reis‚ one of the creators says‚ “This is helping them to not have an empty mind.“ His words carry weight as he lost his brother to gang-related activities. The project wasnt planned as a social program but itʼs become a way to keep kids away from drug gangs.
Gabriel Gomes‚ a 15-year-old participant has come a long way. At first he was scared to fight‚ now he holds a championship belt. “Im thinking of changing my life‚“ he says looking at boxing as a possible career path.
The project faced some push-back at first. People didnt understand what was going on. But Reis explains its not different from martial arts practiced in public in other countries. “We are now managing to make people understand that this is good for our young people“
The UFP1 project shows how sports can give hope in tough places. Itʼs not just about fighting – its about fighting for a better future
