Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1233243
on a wednesday evening in December, a few days before Christmas, the atmosphere in the Macon-Bibb United Boxing Club is friendly and mellow. It 's less crowded than usual, but both rings are occupied by coaches sparring with young boxers, the air filled with the rhythmic noise of muffled punches. Several other students are scattered around the gym, engaged in solitary exercise moves, waiting their turn in the ring. Operated by Macon-Bibb Recreation Department, the club opened its doors in 2014. SPLOST funds were used to transform the former Freedom Park recreation center into an impressively well- appointed boxing gym. Inside, there's a workout room, an open area filled with punching bags, restrooms and a small office. Bright signs featuring quotes from famous boxers and other sports heroes offer inspiration and break up the monotony of the otherwise-bare walls. Above the entrance to the gym's main area, a sign reads "Box like a champion today." Inside are two full-sized boxing rings, bleachers that can expand to seat 600 and a video camera installed above each ring so matches can be broadcast. e club has hosted many events since its opening, including the Georgia State Golden Gloves Championship, a fact that may surprise those not yet aware of this serious, professional sporting facility in our midst. Earnest Butts Jr. has been the boxing coordinator at Macon-Bibb United for five years now. He also coaches boxing and owns his own business, E. Butts Jr. Promotions. Boxing is more than just a job for Butts Jr., it's something that runs in his blood. His father, Earnest Butts Sr., was a professional boxer in the early 1960s who matched with the likes of Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier. Butts Jr. was 13 when he stepped into the ring for the first time. Since then, he's had more than 120 amateur fights, been M ACO N M AG A Z I N E.CO M 4 7