LA Boxing, Santa Ana, CA, has launched a nationwide anti-bullying campaign that will feature professional boxers and mixed martial arts fighters.
Each of the nearly 75 LA Boxing franchises will participate in the campaign, many of which will hold assemblies for students in their local school districts. The assemblies will feature LA Boxing trainers and select professional fighters who will speak to students about bullying and give effective ways to communicate about the issue and express their feelings without violence.
Among the MMA fighters and boxers scheduled to participate in the campaign are former WEC lightweight champion “Razor” Rob McCullough, former UFC champions Tito Ortiz and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, current UFC fighter Michael “The Count” Bisping and five-time welterweight boxing champion Zab “Super” Judah.
“Bullying is an epidemic in this country, and it’s our goal to show these kids that some of the toughest guys in the world fight for many reasons, but never do it to be a bully,” says Keith Williams, director of marketing for LA Boxing. “Even if kids just need to talk about common frustrations or learn ways to deal with life’s complications, a gym is a great way to connect with people, young and old, who can show a different perspective and possibly provide a solution that doesn’t involve confrontation.”
As part of the campaign, LA Boxing gyms across the country will open their doors to kids who want to take a free class or just to talk to someone about bullying.
LA Boxing has sponsored the website www.BullyFight.com, in which kids can submit their own videos about how bullying has affected them. Featured on the site is a video featuring many of the fighters involved in the campaign, as well as UFC President Dana White. The video will be shown at all LA Boxing anti-bullying assemblies.