Video: PAL Boxing Camp Teaches Life Lessons

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – There are a lot of summer camps throughout our area, but one unique offering teaches kids the basics of boxing.  As WCBI’s Allie Martin reports, the youngsters are learning skills they can use in and out of the ring.

All this week these campers are getting cardio, calisthenics and boxing drills.

Coach Grady Hurley leads the group and even had help from Tupelo Police Officer Jennifer Baker.

“We talk to them and try to explain to them the time and effort it takes to not just be able to do boxing, but anything physical, any sport or anything you want bad enough in your life, you have to work hard, train hard,”  Hurley said.

Hurley knows about hard work and dedication. He is a professional MMA fighter who has overcome lots of obstacles.

“Had a car wreck back in 2002, crushed my upper and lower jaw, dislocated my left hip, took 12 years off and doctors told me I would never fight again,” he said.

Encouragement from his wife got Hurley back in the ring and now he is impacting the lives of these students.

Campers say the week has been demanding , but beneficial, with valuable life lessons.

“He pushes us, cause we came in thinking , just get in the ring and fight, but we have to learn the basics first, he doesn’t want us to get knocked out, he’s trying to help us,” said Jordan Smith.

“When you get knocked down in the boxing ring you got  to get back up and keep on going, just like in life,when you get knocked down, you got to get up and keep going, even though you got knocked down, you can’t just give up,” said Elijah Williams.

This camp wraps up Friday, but for those who want more, the Police Athletic League holds boxing classes throughout the school year.

Coach Hurley is also training for an MMA fight July 25th at the Tupelo Furniture Market.  For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/GradyHurley