My name is Josh Brewer, and I’m working to open a boxing gym for kids in the Oak Grove and Hattiesburg areas. Boxing changed my life as a young person—I was undefeated as an amateur and found discipline and confidence through the sport. But I also faced tough times, getting mixed up with the wrong crowd and ending up in prison. While I was there, I realized how much my kids needed me, especially after they lost their mother. I prayed for a dramatic change and wrote about my journey, determined to become the father figure my boys could rely on.

Since my release, I’ve put those dreams into action. I started training my sons, including James Brewer, and we now travel to boxing matches together. I even returned to the ring myself, going 3-0 at age 45, just to motivate my son. Our story has inspired friends and families in the community—like my buddy Jared Dotson and his kids, and the Rambo family, who came over for training in my yard. The support has grown, and now many parents want their kids to learn discipline, confidence, and teamwork through boxing.

I’m working at the Lamar County Jail in maintenance department for the jail . What is so great about this is that I get to try to talk to people coming in and try to lift them up and give them hope as they see that I have changed and they can to , and even my colleagues come to cheer me on at fights. The next step is building a gym on my property, so we can offer a safe, positive space for kids in Oak Grove and Hattiesburg. Funds will help pour the concrete slab, purchase the building, and buy safety gear, a boxing ring, and equipment. Any support will help us create a lasting resource for local families and give kids a place to grow, learn, and stay on the right path.