‘Everybody Is Somebody’: Former Boxing Champion Guides Youth With Gloves And God
Ed Modicue mentors youths in physical, mental and spiritual discipline at his gym in northeast Louisiana.
Modicue, a member of the Forsythe Church of Christ in Monroe, won five Golden Glove titles in the 1970s — from the same amateur boxing organization that launched careers of the likes of Muhammad Ali.
Now, Modicue trains boys in the art of boxing at his gym, but he uses the sport not as a tool for violence or victory. Rather, he strives to teach youths to be their best selves.
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“Everybody is somebody” is his gym’s motto.
Modicue focuses on life skills such as self-control, preparation and healthy eating.
He also emphasizes faith: A poster on the wall of his gym in Monroe encourages trainees to “put on the full armor of God,” from Ephesians 6.
Ed Modicue (Image via YouTube screenshot)
He recently taught a boys’ class at the Forsythe church about fitness and faith, preaching minister John Dobbs said.
“Ed is a genuine spirit who has a heart for the kids who need a godly influence in their lives,” Dobbs said. “I call him ‘Champ’ because he is a champion in life and faith. Ed and his wife, Sheila, are bright lights of encouragement.”
This article was originally published in The Christian Chronicle.
Calvin Cockrell is Managing Editor for The Christian Chronicle and serves as the young adult minister for the North Tuscaloosa Church of Christ in Alabama. Reach him at calvin@christianchronicle.org.