Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

In Trenton, A unique community program is quietly but powerfully transforming young lives far beyond the boxing ring.

The Trenton Bulldog Boxing Club, under the leadership of head coach Rocky Dunkin—a third-generation boxing coach and Trenton native—serves as a vital support system for local youth and their families, offering mentorship, discipline, and hope for kids that sometimes can’t find it anywhere else.

“Boxing has always been more than a sport in our family—it has been a way to teach discipline, responsibility, and resilience to young athletes,” said Dunkin, who took over the gym from his father and continues a family legacy deeply rooted in the sport.

As a former professional boxer and military veteran, Dunkin brings decades of experience to the club, but it’s his passion for helping kids find purpose and belonging that truly stands out.

The club welcomes athletes ages four through 24 and is located at Dunkins Furniture and Liquidation Store, drawing families from Trenton and surrounding communities. Many parents say they are willing to drive significant distances because of the club’s reputation for instilling confidence, discipline, and overall well-being in their children. Monthly membership is just $25.

“If a family cannot afford that, we will never let finances be a barrier to these kids,” coach Amanda Tabias said. “We’re here to support the community, not turn anyone away.”

The impact of the club goes well beyond physical training. Many athletes come to the club through juvenile services, local schools, or are referred by families struggling with a variety of challenges.

“We emphasize discipline, accountability, academic responsibility, nutrition, respect, and mental resilience,” said Tabias, who also has a professional background in mental health. “Watching these kids start to believe in themselves is the real victory. For some, it’s the first time they’ve ever felt like they belonged anywhere.”

The coaches don’t shy away from tough love. Rocky emphasizes respect and hard work, telling athletes that if they get into fights with kids outside of the program, they won’t be allowed to come anymore. Additionally, Rocky pushes his athletes to their physical limits. He tells them they can’t leave practice until they put in their full effort—sometimes working so hard they throw up. But the kids know he cares.

Club members practice four to five nights per week spending two or more hours training per session. These practices include conditioning, technique, sparring, mental preparation and recovery.

Some practices are particularly challenging, one of the athletes Timothy Kempton, recalled a practice where they ran over 6 miles at the track before additional sparring but said the hard work was one of the reason he kept coming back.

This structured approach creates a safe and positive environment where young people learn that real strength comes not just from physical power, but from self-control, accountability, and respect for themselves and others. The club has become a sanctuary for kids who have faced bullying, academic struggles, or turbulent home lives.

“These kids that are being made fun of and bullied, start to hang out with other kids who go to the club, and then they go to school, and they’re all buddies,” Tabias said. “It’s such a sense of family.”

Family is a good word for the environment the club produces. At a practice athletes were laughing together, had special handshakes and were always giving feedback while others were sparring. Towards the end of a practice their was a new boxer who wasn’t used to conditioning the rest of the team was finished but ran back to run until the last guy was finished.

“Its really family oriented in a way, I can come here and everyone feels like family.” said Timothy Kempton.

Competitions offer an avenue for growth, providing kids with the opportunity to travel, meet new people, and challenge themselves. However, the costs add up quickly.

“For one kid, it’s every bit of $5,000 or more a year,” said Tabias. The club relies entirely on donations, fundraisers, and sponsorships to cover travel, equipment, and registration fees. “There is no consistent government funding. Equipment, insurance, and travel costs are ongoing needs. When funding falls short, coaches often step in personally to ensure kids don’t miss opportunities,” they add.

Despite these challenges, Rocky and his team remain committed to their mission.

“We aim to keep youth engaged in a positive, structured environment, build confidence, discipline, and self-belief, support academic and personal growth, and compete at state, regional, and national levels,” Tabias said. In the future, they hope to secure a team van to safely transport athletes to competitions and host monthly local boxing events to bring the community together and showcase the athletes’ hard work.

The club’s message to Trenton is clear: “This program exists for the community. These athletes are students, sons, daughters, and future leaders who work hard every day—often while overcoming challenges far beyond the gym. Supporting the boxing club means investing in youth, reducing negative influences, and creating opportunities that many kids otherwise wouldn’t have access to. When Trenton supports this program, it helps change lives—one athlete at a time.”

For more information or to support the Trenton Bulldog Boxing Club, visit their social media or contact the club directly. Every donation, sponsorship, and show of support helps keep this vital program running and ensures that more young people have the chance to discover their own strength, both inside and outside the ring.