Sharing Stories that Matter

Inside the Pivott Boxing Academy, in Philadelphia's Fairhill neighborhood, Damian Lobato found young people improving their lives through the discipline of boxing. It was a story he was compelled to share through photographs—and I'm sharing it here because many of us are in need of a little good news.

Photo credit: Damian Lobato

Forged In the Ring, a collection of twelve natural-light photographs on display at the Temple Anthropology Laboratory and Museum, captures the young boxers' energy and concentration. But for Lobato and gym owner, Orlando Rosa, it's not just about boxing. For these young athletes, the skills that come with boxing are the building blocks for a successful life.

"This work focuses on discipline, tradition, and the sense of community that boxing builds across Philadelphia—highlighting the many positive stories unfolding in [what are] often considered under-served neighborhoods," Lobato wrote on social media.

The Pivott Boxing Academy has about 200 young athletes—males and females—who train regularly. The value that boxing can bring to a young person's life is often overlooked by society because it's viewed as a "brutal sport," Rosa says. To those who only see brutality in the sport, he counters that it's a structured environment and the improvements in equipment, like headgear, have made it safer.

"Our goal is to build strong community leaders," Rosa says. "We tell them [the athletes] if you have trouble, you come here. If you’re hungry, come here." He's often at the gym hours after closing to talk with and try to help youth who are in crisis. 

Rosa is not alone in the effort. Five dads serve as mentors, and Sharron Baker, a long-time friend, trains competitive male and female boxers. In addition, they have Steve Cunningham, a two-time cruiser weight world champion training at the gym most days. He's a role model who shares advice and stories with the young boxers.

"The kids are amazed that they have a two-time world champion in the gym everyday," Rosa says.

The community respects the gym. "It's a safe space for the young people where they're surrounded by mentors and role-models that are hard to come by," Rosa says. "Competitive kids become friends at the gym."

Over the years, Rosa has built a relationship with area educators. Teachers and principals often send students they believe need a helping hand. They do well in the program because training gives them the structure that many are missing. 

“Kids know that they can use the ropes, but they go back a certain way,” Rosa says.

Rosa works to hold these students accountable inside and outside of the gym and firmly believes that the discipline benefits other parts of their lives.

The hardest part of fostering community is meeting the financial challenges. Boxing costs less than a lot of other sports. But Pivott caters to a lot of families who can't afford gloves and "there are kids riding their bikes 3-4 miles to get here," he says.

"I would like to buy a van to pick some of these kids up because riding here from Tacony isn't safe," Rosa says. "People in other countries are aware of what we're doing, but we'd really like support from the city."

"We're anti-violence; we're anti-gang. I'm looking for support," Rosa says. He has been meeting with an organization based in the United Kingdom, Empire Fighting Chance, that uses the discipline of boxing to support neurodivergent youth and those suffering from PTSD. They are planning a collaboration with Pivott as the base for their first East Coast program.

At the Temple exhibit opening in April, Dr. Marina Mikhaylova invited her anthropology students to a presentation by Lobato and Rosa. The students listened with close attention, asking many questions. It's a sign that Lobato may be achieving his goal—to make positive work more visible.

Damian Lobato with his "Forged in the Ring" collection.

Temple University has transitioned to summer hours, but the museum and the photographs are available by appointment.

Meanwhile at the Pivott Boxing Academy, it’s business as usual. "We're getting ready for the summer. We continue to run our classes three days a week," Rosa says. "We run weekend camps. We try to get them in here as much as possible."