By Seth Doane - CBS News
TOLEDO, OH (CBS) - It may be a brutal sport, but it's called a "sweet science".
Toledo teens are conditioning more than just their bodies.
"They teach us how to be respectful - not disrespectful," said one 11-year-old patron.
Boxing is about discipline and agility. At this gym, it's about something far more practical too.
"I started this gym because there is just nothing for the kids to do," said Otha Jones. "With the budget cuts, they keep cutting the sports out of school."
Last year, when Toledo Public Schools had to eliminate $49 million from its budget, wrestling, golf, and track were cut as were all middle school and freshman athletics.
The kids at this gym can point to bullet wounds as proof of a rough childhood. They say schools do not have sports, so kids turn to the streets.
That was the worst thing they could do," says 16-year-old Allah Wright. "That's one of the main reasons most people go to school is for sports."
The school district is trying to reinstate some sports next year, but there are more budget cuts to come.
Seeing a need, Jones and his partners turned an old space above a hair salon into Soul City Boxing. It's $10 a week to join.
Owner Chris Lawrence says, "They don't have anyone to lead them in the right direction. So basically they're trying to lead themselves. But they are walking the wrong path."
The coaches there are father figures. Jones says many kids now in boxing training are refugees from other sports.
"I'm trying to save a life or two," said Jones.
