Event Information
What: Guns Down, Gloves Up Community Event
When: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Benjamin Davis Park, Lansing, Michigan
Photo: Isaiah “DaBoxer” Pringle (right).
By TNCPNEWS Staff
LANSING, MI — A young life lost to gun violence is serving as the inspiration behind a community event designed to offer hope, mentorship, and opportunity for Lansing youth.
The Guns Down, Gloves Up community event will take place Friday, July 17, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Benjamin Davis Park in Lansing. Organized by local boxing coach and mentor Isaiah Pringle, also known as “DaBoxer,” the event combines boxing, youth empowerment, music, food, and community resources with a message that encourages young people to choose a future free from violence.
The event is dedicated to the memory of a young boy whose life was taken by gun violence.
“His life was taken far too soon,” Pringle said. “I wanted to honor his memory by creating something positive that helps prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. My goal is to give youth a constructive way to channel their anger rather than resorting to violence.”
The flyer describes the event as an opportunity to “Choose Peace. Choose Purpose,” reminding attendees that while the community cannot bring the young boy back, it can honor his memory by choosing a different path.
For Pringle, boxing became that different path.
He said he first entered the sport after finding himself in frequent fights while growing up.
“I started boxing because I found myself fighting a lot in school,” Pringle said. “I often stepped in to defend other kids from bullies when they couldn’t defend themselves. When I first moved to Lansing, I felt I constantly had to prove myself to others. Boxing provided the discipline and outlet I needed.”
Today, that same discipline is something he hopes to pass along to the next generation.
“I see many young people dealing with violence, peer pressure, and a lack of positive role models,” Pringle said. “I try to be a ‘big brother’ figure, someone they can look up to and rely on for guidance.”
Pringle believes the event’s theme extends beyond a slogan.
“‘Choose Peace. Choose Purpose’ means choosing a better path over violence,” he said. “Everyone has a purpose, and I want young people to understand that their future is worth much more than a single bad decision that could permanently alter their lives.”
Through his boxing program, he has watched young people develop confidence, discipline, and respect.
“I have seen many kids become more confident, respectful, disciplined, and humble,” Pringle said. “Boxing provides them with a vital outlet and helps them stay focused on their goals.”
Photos shared with The New Citizens Press offer a glimpse into the environment Pringle has created. Rather than waiting for access to a traditional boxing gym,he trains young people in neighborhood parks, parking lots, and other community spaces. The images capture more than sparring sessions—they show youth encouraging one another, smiling after matches, and gathering as a group. For Pringle, the goal extends beyond teaching punches and footwork. Each training session is another opportunity to build confidence, instill discipline, and remind young people that they belong to a community thatbelieves in them.
Organizing the event has not been without challenges.
“Securing support and resources has been difficult, and I have even faced resistance from local authorities who discouraged the event,” Pringle said. “However, they aren’t providing the necessary help for this community, so I am determined to do it myself. Seeing the community come together and seeing the kids smile keeps me motivated.”
The event will feature boxing clinics and exhibitions, youth empowerment and mentorship activities, music, community resources, and food and refreshments. Organizers emphasize that girls are encouraged to participate in boxing as well, reinforcing that the event is intended to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
The goals of the event include ending the cycle of violence, empowering youth through discipline and opportunity, building community unity, and creating a safer future for Lansing families.
When asked what message he would share with young people facing difficult circumstances, Pringle’s answer was direct.
“Your future is worth protecting,” he said. “Do not let one mistake define your life, and always remember that you matter.”
He also had a message for parents.
“Never stop supporting and believing in your children,” Pringle said. “Put them first and ensure they know they are heard, welcomed, loved, and here for a purpose.”
Pringle hopes residents will attend whether they participate in the boxing activities or simply come to support the youth and the community.
As the flyer concludes, “We don’t have to agree on everything, but we can agree to change everything. One community. One goal.”
The event will include boxing clinics and exhibitions, youthempowerment and mentorship activities, music, community resources, and food and refreshments. Community members are invited to attend whether they want to participate, volunteer, or simplyshow their support.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Isaiah Pringle (DaBoxer) at 517-243-3919 or connect with him on Facebook.
