Santa Rosa's Double Punches Boxing Program Fights Against Gang and Drug Activity for Youths.

Character Development is the Number One Priority for the Salvation Army's Youth Boxing Program, Double Punches, yet Still Teaches Professional Boxing Skills to Young Adults.

Double Punches founder Richard Lopez said his goal is to keep kids from gang involvement, drugs and dropping out of school.

"I look at a neighborhood where there tell me it's troubled..."I see workers, leaders and potential," Lopez said. His goal is to filter out the ones with some or all of these three skills and enlighten them about Double Punches. "Any kind of sport builds character in a young student, that's why when they come here they get discipline and structure."

The program is open to all children ages 10-16 years-old. People ages 17-24 years-old may also join. Discounts for enrollment are available for low-income students or ones with good grades. For complete details you can log onto doublepunches.com.

No student is allowed to begin their work-out until they have finished their home work Lopez said. "Education comes first, the work-out is secondary, when the boxing is gone, they still have their education," he said.

While talking to Lopez it became abundantly clear how special Double Punches really is. It was discovered that one of their coaches, 29-year-old Enrique Gutierrez life may have ended when he was 16. When Gutierrez was a Double Punches student at that age, he chose not to miss a training sessions instead of going to a party with a then friend. Gutierrezz's friend was shot and killed that same day in his car.

"We can give you story after story, but that one really stands out," Lopez said. "The guy (Gutierrezz's friend) dropped off Gutierezz at the gym, the friend ended up getting shot in his car on ninth street that same day...because of the boxing, Gutierezz chose to train."

From possibly being shot dead to being a junior Olympic champion at 16-years-old in the 147 pound weight class is quite a turn of events indeed. In 2001 Gutierezz was on the Olympic boxing team in Puerto Rico and Denmark he said. He has competed both nationally and internationally.

“I attribute a lot of my success to Lopez, he’s my spiritual father,” Gutierezz said. “I have a lot of respect for him.”

Gutierezz lost several fights in his early youth and at the age of 12 he went in the ring against his parent’s wishes and knowledge. His parents where mad at the time, yet proud of his victory and trophy harnessed that day. 

Before this year is over, Double Punches will begin its 25th year of benefiting students and the community. "It ((Double Punches) keeps me off the streets and teaches me discipline and life skills," 12-year-old Jonathan Rubio said.

Judith Garcia, 13-years-old and Katelyn Wilkinson, a 15-years-old both said they like learning how to defend themselves through the program. "I'm learning self confidence and I have a new family," Wilkinson said.

Aside from building character, instilling morals, principles and a priority in life, Double Punches also enables determined boxers with the skills and potential to turn pro. Double Punches is licensed with USA Boxing. Double Punches has two main events every year as well as having regional and national competitions. As long as a student keeps winning, they can go to the next level of competition Lopez said.

"When I'm 18, I might turn pro," Rubio said. "Right now I'm ranked second in northern California with a record of 15-5 in my age and weight class." (85 pounds.)

Rubio's dad, coach Jovanni Rubio said Double Punches will be hosting big matches in May known as the Box Off. Winners at the Box Off have a chance to compete in the nationals and may even qualify for the Olympics.

If you’re a parent concerned about the dangers boxing can impose, i.e., blows to the head, safety is the number one concern for Lopez. No student in the Double Punches program is required to complete, in fact many kids simply enjoy the work-out.

"I'm learning good defensive skills and want to get buff," Wilkinson said.

Everyone who spares must wear all the required protective gear. Aside from the mandatory head gear, females are also required to wear chest protectors when sparing.

"We watch out for hard blows, after a hard blow we might sit a student out for a week," Lopez said. "We separate the guys who want to compete from the ones who don't, so they can be more aggressive in the ring."

Watching the children working out in the gym, talking with them and some of the coaches illustrated the extreme value and importance of Double Punches.

“Double Punches is the greatest program I’ve ever done, it represents something that’s going to give you a future,” Gutierezz said.