LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Over the years, there have been many Black boxers who have made a significant impact on the sport. Jack Johnson became the first African American heavyweight champion in 1908, and of course, Louisville’s own Muhammad Ali inspired millions with his skill and activism.

But Louisville has another boxer who is aiming to not only win fights but help change lives, in and out of the ring. 

Demontaze “Juicy” Duncan started boxing at 12. What started out as a way to fight without getting into trouble turned into the very thing that changed his life for the better. 

“Without boxing, I would have been either dead or in jail because I wouldn't have learned that was competition, and I would have taken to heart and made some of the wrong choices," Duncan said. 

Besides looking back at history, Duncan said Black History Month is a time to reflect on breaking down barriers. He added he aims to help Louisville's young people through a boxing mentorship program, Louisville Select Boxing. 

“I'm still learning, but what I do know? [With] the things that I have been through, I know I could at least try my best to teach the kids so they don't make the same mistakes that I made," Duncan said. 

Trevon Dobbins has been boxing for three years with Duncan at Jeff City Boxing & MMA. Famous boxers have been Dobbins’ inspiration, but he said "Juicy" has been a role model in his life.

“He'll be there to help you out and be able to tell you if you messed up on something; he'll be able to push you," Dobbins said. "[For] example, I was running. I was going to stop, but he encouraged me to keep running because ... your brain always tells you to stop, but you just got to fight through it.”

Black boxers have paved the way for future fighters like Dobbins. He said he can see himself making it big one day.

“If he goes to the big stage, I feel I feel real good about myself," Dobbins said.

Charles McDuffie is a boxing fan from the same neighborhood as Duncan. McDuffie said "Juicy" is a beacon in the Black community.

“These kids are showing and being an example in the community as a young man when so many young men are getting killed on a daily basis in the metro community," McDuffie said. "It was very enlightening to see these kids and with parents [who have] helped them."

Black History Month isn’t just a month, but a celebration every day, Duncan said.  

“Because [of] the things that we [had] to overcome, the things that we go through on a daily basis ... it's just crazy," Duncan said. "I feel like that's one of the most important things about Black History Month: Black history in general.” 

Duncan hopes to continue to inspire other boxers through his achievements, skills and determination, he added.