Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1233243
"people think they can come in here and learn to fight, but it's not about fighting. it's about learning control – body and mind." -earnest butts jr. EARNEST BUTTS JR. AND TRAYVION BUTTS a member of the All-Army Boxing Team and coached and mentored countless young boxers. In 2017, his skill and dedication were recognized when he was inducted into the Georgia Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame for his coaching work. "Boxing is a good tool," Butts Jr. said. "People think they can come in here and learn to fight, but it's not about fighting. It's about learning control – body and mind." e club's focus is on offering a way to build confidence and character and an outlet through which to channel the sometimes-destructive aggression and anger of adolescence. "I've changed a lot of kids' lives," said Butts Jr. "I was a probation officer for 10 years before I came on board here, so I've worked with a lot of at-risk kids. I've got patience, and I can tell when a kid is in trouble. A lot of guys trust me because I can handle the roughneck kids. I'm not intimidated by a kid who's got prior charges – I use boxing as an outlet to draw them in. Not that they'll be a successful boxer, necessarily, but it shows them – hey, your toughness got you somewhere not so great, now it's time to channel it in a useful, positive way." Trayvion Butts, 25, is the product of his father's disciplined approach. Coached by his dad, Trayvion's talent, skill and determination have made him a name to watch in the world of boxing. "It's cool to have my dad as my coach," Trayvion Butts said. "Lots of boxers don't have that, and it's a good feeling to have him on my team. Boxing is a family tradition for us. We all love this sport. It's good for me, discipline-wise, and it helps me control my attitude and be more calm. I'm trying to continue the boxing legacy in my family, keep the love going." When talking about his son's skill in the ring, Butts Jr. radiates pride. "I'm always so impressed with him," he said. "He's doing real big things for our city." Patrick Anderson has coached at Macon-Bibb United for three years. Now 34, Anderson started training himself in boxing and Mixed Martial Arts at age 14. "I was always different," Anderson said. "I grew up in the hood, but listened to country and rock. My friends were into gang stuff and, like, hydraulics, and I was into art, psychology, human behavior. Knowing about that stuff helps so much with coaching. Some people won't or can't open up, so knowing how to read body language is very important." At age 18, Anderson's mother passed away, an experience that jolted him out of the reckless lifestyle he'd been living. "e last time she saw me, I was in handcuffs," he said. "She told me, 'You can't fight all the time. You'll end up in jail or dead. You've gotta stay focused and achieve your goals and dreams.' She knew I was into art and boxing, and she supported me, always. I felt like I owed it to her to grow up and get it together." As the youngest coach on staff, Anderson works most with the younger kids who come into the gym. 4 8 M ACO N M AG A Z I N E.CO M