Yahu Blackwell dares to go where other boxers have lost their lives. Last week, an up-and-coming boxer was murdered, the most recent of 3 killings, but Yahu Blackwell still returned to West Baltimore to visit the Boys & Girls club in his hometown!

Yahu Blackwell is doing big things with the Boys & Girls Club in communities across the country. Read on…

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In today’s society, it’s getting tougher and tougher to grow up, especially those that have to avoid the pitfalls that plague inner cities.

Organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club play a vital role in communities across the country. Local notable boxing champion Yahu Blackwell paid a visit to one of the Boys & Girls chapter in his hometown of Baltimore in hopes of being an inspiration.

Tuesday afternoon, Yahu “Rock” Blackwell surprised the children of the Webster Kendrick Boys & Girls Club of Metro Baltimore. Bearing gifts and his latest championship belt, the cruiserweight boxer interacted with the children one on one and joined in on some of the after school games they were playing. During his speech, Blackwell spoke about his own upbringings in Baltimore and how he made his way into the boxing ring through hard work. He encouraged the members of the club to stay focused on their goals and follow their dreams.

Blackwell said during his visit:

“I loved interacting with the youth. “They’re the leaders of tomorrow and it’s our job to help mold them and keep them on the right path. Thank you to Mr. Rivera and Mr. Warren Burch (Unit Director at the Webster Kendrick Club) for their outstanding work and for allowing me to come in and talk about my life. The Boys & Girls Club is an excellent organization and it was a privilege to see so many bright smiles and eager faces. I’m happy to do what I can do to help the leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to being a part of more events with the Boys & Girls Club.”

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Joel Rivera, Vice President of Operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore said:

“It was an honor to have Mr. Blackwell speak to our young people at the Webster Kendrick Club. We appreciate him taking the time out of his busy schedule to share his story. Mr. Blackwell showed our members that anything is possible in life, and never to give up. We wish him well in his upcoming fight, and he is welcome in our club again anytime.”

Blackwell also does some philanthropy work overseas in Africa. In addition, he is getting ready to release his very own mobile boxing game. The People’s Champ app will allow players to train from amateur to professional status and fight other players from around the world. Available for both Android and iPhones, The People’s Champ app is expected to be released in May. To coincide with the launch, Blackwell announced “The People’s Champ Essay Contest,” which will be open to the members of all the Boys & Girls Clubs in Baltimore. First, second and third place winners will receive cash prizes. Feeling especially generous, Blackwell decided to throw in a pair of sneakers as part of the top prize.

For more information on Blackwell and his upcoming fights, please visit www.yahublackwell.com. Information on The People’s Champ app can be found at www.peopleschampapp.com.