PAL’s youth boxers hop in the ring at Boxing Showcase 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Athletic League (PAL) kicked off their annual youth Boxing Showcase Wednesday evening at the Beacon Resource Center.

The showcase was just like any pro match, with spotlights, announcers and a champion belt.

Boxing champion, 7-year-old Zyaire Washington, said the PAL program has taught him a thing or two about resilience.

“I love that it’s a tough sport and you have a lot of fun in it… It taught me to be strong…it keeps me from crying, I don’t cry a lot in here and it keeps me tougher,” said Washington.

PAL gives free boxing training weekly at the Beacon Center, meeting Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from five to six p.m. for ages seven to 11, and from six to 7:30 p.m. for ages 13 to adult.