“Beyond Boxing: Calvin Ford’s Campaign for Hope and Opportunity in Baltimore’s Streets”
In the whirlwind of professional boxing, where the focus often falls on the fighters themselves, one man stands apart, silently but determinedly championing a cause that transcends the boundaries of the ring. Calvin Ford, renowned as the inspiration behind ‘Cutty’ from HBO’s acclaimed series ‘The Wire’, is on a mission, not just to train champions, but to uplift and empower young amateur boxers from underserved communities.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing for Gervonta Davis’s upcoming bout, Ford took to social media to make a heartfelt plea to boxing reporters and journalists. His message was twofold: first, to direct all interview requests to a specified contact, and second, to raise awareness and funds for his non-profit organization, Rize Inc. The goal? To purchase a bus that would transport aspiring young fighters to and from their matches, providing them with opportunities they may not otherwise have.
For Ford, this initiative is more than just about boxing—it’s about providing a lifeline to young individuals who may be teetering on the edge of uncertainty and despair. The response from the boxing community was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Ford for his dedication and selflessness. However, amidst the outpouring of support, there were also voices of skepticism and criticism, questioning why Ford couldn’t seek support from wealthier individuals within the boxing world.
‘For ALL interview request from Coach Calvin Ford, please call XXX XXX XXXX,” read the first sentence of the Instagram post. Then it mentioned a call to action for a non-profit that Ford runs. “All Coach Calvin Ford is requesting is that you prepare to donate to his nonprofit organization, Rize Inc., that has been established to purchase a bus for transporting Amateur fighters to and from fights,” the message stated.
Finally, it said, “It takes a village to raise a child! Thank you in advance, @coachcalvinford, @rize_inc, @therizepodcast. Grab your slot asap.”
The road to this noble cause hasn’t been without its challenges for Ford. Earlier this year, he found himself entangled in legal troubles, facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon. This setback, however, is just one chapter in Ford’s remarkable journey—a journey that saw him rise from the streets of Baltimore, where he once grappled with the law, to becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young boxers.
“Stop asking poor ppl for money to buy a bus; you were poor once. Ask Tank to buy the bus or Floyd; he has seven hundred million dollars in one that he says he plays with, ask him. Tank is giving you enough money also to buy that bus you just want to save your.”
Ford’s own transformation serves as a testament to the power of redemption and second chances. From his conviction for racketeering and conspiracy in 1988 to his tenacious pursuit of boxing as a means of positive change, Ford’s life story is a testament to resilience and determination.
As he continues to navigate the complexities of the boxing world, Ford remains steadfast in his commitment to empowering the next generation of fighters, one punch at a time. For him, the fight extends far beyond the confines of the ring—it’s a fight for hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better future for all.