Rochester Reporter

Self-respect and discipline are two valuable ingredients for successfully acquiring life skills and achievement. Last month, two young women who participate in the City of Rochester’s Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center Boxing Club placed in their respective weight classes at the 2023 Golden Gloves of America National Championship in Philadelphia, Penn.

Algeria Johnson, 21, made history as a Golden Gloves titleholder in her boxing weight class and the first woman from Rochester to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Fellow fighter Angie Miles, 24, also placed in her weight class, ranking her third in the nation. 

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Algeria, Angie and the City of Rochester,” said Mayor Evans. “Rochester has a rich history of boxing legends; the Jackson R-Center boxing program is just one of the many pathways the City offers youth so they, too, can build self-confidence and success. I am grateful to the Jackson R-Center staff and coaches. Congratulations to these two champions, who are also positive role models. Algeria we are proud of you and wish you all the best at the Olympic Trials.”

The Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center is home to a number of youth programs including boxing. It is a registered boxing club under USA Boxing, which is the national governing body that oversees Olympic-style boxing across the country. Other Rochester boxing clubs use the facility during sparring sessions as well.

“The staff at the Jackson R-Center is so helpful; it feels like family,” said Angie Miles. “They push me to be my best when I am doing strength training and conditioning.”

One of the Jackson R-Center coaches, Armando Munoz, was selected by the head of the Buffalo/New York State Boxing District to serve as the head coach and team manager for the New York State team, which encompasses the entire state except for New York City, at the Golden Gloves tournament.

“Boxing for kids isn’t just a physical activity,” said Munoz. “Amateur boxing has many key benefits for children and young adults who are looking to develop physical strength, become independent, and learn self-discipline. Whether your child wants to compete or simply learn a form of self-defense, boxing has this and more. Kids do not just put on gloves and start punching things; boxing requires physical discipline and skill. The young boxers gain life skills that will continue to motivate them through their lives.”

“I knew since day-one that boxing was for me; I loved it,” said Algeria Johnson. “It gave me an outlet as a teenager; through boxing I was able to express my anger and childhood trauma—turning a negative into a positive. I aspire to become the second woman to win two gold medals at the Olympics.”

Algeria will travel to Lafayette, Louisiana to compete in the Olympic Team Trials - Boxing, which is scheduled for Dec. 1 - 9 of 2023. To watch a video about Algeria and Angie’s boxing journey, click here.

The Jackson R-Center boxing program has between 20-30 participants, not including the coaches and supportive parents. Training is from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. To register for the boxing club and other City programs, visit CityofRochester.Gov/RCentral.

Original source can be found here.