LEXINGTON, Ky. — One boxer in Lexington uses the ring to escape from her life. She hopes to encourage others in her community to use boxing as an outlet for difficult situations.
What You Need To Know
- Legends Youth Boxing Club in Lexington encouraging young adults to use boxing as an outlet
- 17-year-old Dani Brown is using boxing for more than sport
- Brown’s mom was diagnosed with brain cancer
- Brown started boxing as a way to protect herself and her family
Dani Brown, a 17-year-old boxer in Lexington, said boxing has become more than just a sport – it's a way she can protect herself and her family.
“I get to come in and I get to release stress and that I get to know that I can protect myself from that. I can stand up for myself and others who can’t stand up for themselves,” Brown said.
Brown started boxing after her brother recovered from a double lung infection and bronchitis. Her family wanted to build up his endurance.
“My brother did it so I did it,” Brown said.
Over the years, protecting herself and her brother has become a priority, especially when it comes to her mother getting sick.
“She has brain cancer and she's had it for the last couple years. And she's had two craniotomies and chemo, she'll do chemo for the rest of her life and everything like that, so I've learned to become mature and take over everything when I need to,” Brown said.
Brown said boxing reminds her that if she can box in the ring and take a punch, she can handle anything life throws her way.
“Being at the gym and everything is a lot. It has allowed me to release stress or anger if I have any – just feeling like this is a safe place to go and I know that I don't have to be fully in charge,” Brown said.
Brown coaches with the Legends Youth Boxing Club in Lexington and is a part of Team USA. She plans to participate in the 2024 Olympics.