Punch4Pounds: Former Army Sergeant brings boxing program to Lexington

Steven Lee Matthews, founder of Punch4Pounds

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"I fought for my country; now it is my responsibility to fight for my community." - Steven Matthews

Steven Lee Matthews, the Welterweight People’s Champ of Greensboro, N.C., and Greensboro native, served in 2003’s Iraqi Enduring Freedom War where he was promoted to a United States Army Sergeant at age of 19.

Matthews fosters today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders, through the Art of Boxing. {Contributed Photo}

Now Matthews brings “soldiering” to local youth. Students at Lexington Middle School will be offered a future after-school program designed to grow their bodies and maturity levels by working with award-winning community leader, Steven Matthews. “I didn't fight to lead from the front; I desired to “lead by example”. My journey has been about earning the respect of our incredible community, as well as municipal, county, and state authorities.”

Through an alternative conflict resolution module, Punch4Pounds Inc. interrupts gang and gun violence by engaging people most at danger, meditating and preventing retaliatory violence. 

The organizers at Punch4Pounds say that boxing is much more than a sport. “This martial art promotes physical development, moral development, independence, self-control and mental discipline while discouraging negative thought and action,” explains Matthews.

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Matthews provided youths with an understanding of Punch4Pounds Kids with a new initiative at Lexington Middle School (LMS).

Punch4Pounds Kids is a dynamic youth development program designed to empower students with a holistic approach, combining cognitive-boxing and success advocate. As CEO of Punch4Pounds Inc., Matthews extends initiatives to students at LMS.

According to literature provided offerings at LMS will include:

Youth Boxing Program

Structured curriculum emphasizing physical fitness, essential leadership and character development.

Engaging sessions to instill life and soft skills through the art of boxing.

Educational Enrichment

Integration of cognitive boxing, promoting mental agility and focus.

Workshops and sessions on confidence and self-esteem, teamwork and goal setting.

Community Engagement

Collaboration with educators, role models and mentors as a network of support for students.

Fostering a strong connection with parents and guardians through consistent communication and active engagement, ensuring accessibility to both vital information and valuable resources.

Outcomes

Improved Physical and Mental Well-being.

Enhance overall health through regular physical activity and cognitive engagement.

Foster mental resilience and focus through unique cognitive boxing sessions.

Character Development

Instill core values such as discipline, respect, perseverance.

Promote positive social behaviors and teamwork.

Academic Success

Create an environment that supports academic achievement and a love for learning.

Provide educational enrichment opportunities to complement the school curriculum.

Long-Term Plans

Punch4Pounds Kids commitment extends beyond immediate impact, with long-term plans focused on:

Program Expansion

Extend the reach of Punch4Pounds Kids to more schools and communities.

Establish partnerships with additional educational institutions.

Continuous Improvement

Regularly assess and refine our programs based on feedback and outcomes.

Stay attuned to evolving educational and youth development needs.

Community Integration

Deepen connections with the greater Lexington community through collaborative events.

Introduce initiatives that address broader societal challenges affecting youth.

Additional Elements

“We envision Punch4Pounds Kids as more than a program; it's a community resource, and we aim to capture the vibrancy and transformative moments experienced by both students and families. Creating visuals that showcase the energy, commitment and joy that Punch4Pounds will bring…” said Matthews. “We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of the students at Lexington Middle School. Punch4Pounds Kids embodies our commitment to fostering positive change, one punch at a time.”

For more information visit the Punch4Pounds website.