Written By JR Robinson

When young people step into the ring at Bevo Boys Fitness Academy, they’re not just learning how to throw a punch — they’re learning how to change the trajectory of their lives. This Memphis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, whose name stands for Be Empowered Victorious Ones, is using boxing as a powerful tool to mentor, protect, and empower youth across the city.

Founded in 2016 by Kenneth “Coach Kenny” Cole, Bevo Boys Fitness Academy was built on more than three decades of coaching and mentoring experience in Memphis boxing. Coach Kenny’s vision is simple but transformative: give kids a safe place to train, teach them discipline and self-control, and surround them with adults who care about their future. What happens in the gym is about so much more than athletics — it’s about building character, responsibility, and resilience one round at a time.

Bevo Boys primarily serves boys and girls ages 8–17, particularly those who may be vulnerable to at-risk behaviors such as violence and juvenile delinquency. Through structured boxing classes, mentorship, and accountability, youth learn how to manage anger, respect boundaries, follow instructions, and set goals they can be proud of. The program offers everything from no-contact and beginner boxing to amateur training, integrating cardio conditioning, bag work, shadow boxing, and life lessons into every session.

Outside of regular training, Bevo Boys runs the BEVO Fitness N Fun Summer Camp, a program designed to keep kids active, engaged, and supported during the summer months. The camp promotes physical fitness, social interaction, and personal empowerment, helping young people discover strengths they may not know they had. Families across Memphis turn to Bevo Boys not just for sports, but for structure, mentorship, and a positive community around their children.

This commitment to safety and community is on full display at the upcoming Safe Rounds Community Boxing Event, set for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 6075 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38115. Hosted by Bevo Boys Fitness Academy, Safe Rounds will bring youth, families, and community partners together for a day of boxing, encouragement, and visibility for positive youth programming. It’s not just a boxing showcase — it’s a statement that Memphis is investing in its young people and creating alternatives to the streets.

Safe Rounds is being organized in partnership with the Memphis Police Department Neighborhood Watch, reflecting a shared commitment to violence prevention and community trust-building. By working alongside law enforcement and neighborhood leaders, Bevo Boys is helping to create a bridge between youth and institutions that are often seen as distant or adversarial. In the ring, kids see adults cheering for them, coaching them, and believing in their potential — and that experience can change how they see themselves and their city.

For Memphis families, Safe Rounds is an invitation: come see what structured, positive youth boxing looks like, meet the mentors investing in your children, and learn how to get involved. Whether a child wants to compete or simply get in shape and gain confidence, Bevo Boys offers a path that leads away from trouble and toward purpose. In every jab, hook, and round of conditioning, the message is clear — you are capable, you are valuable, and you can be victorious.

As Memphis continues to confront the challenges of youth violence and limited opportunities, Bevo Boys Fitness Academy stands out as a grassroots solution with proven impact. Safe Rounds is more than an event on the calendar; it’s a showcase of what happens when a community invests in its youth with structure, love, and high expectations. From the first bell to the final round, Bevo Boys is fighting for Memphis kids — and they’re inviting the entire city to step into their corner.