George ‘Monk’ Foreman Is Partnering with the Boys & Girls Club

George “Monk” Foreman training a client. Photo provided.

Before opening his upscale, 15,000-square-foot boxing gym in Fort Point last year, George “Monk” Foreman III told Boston that he just wants to train people. Because his father is the George Foreman—the two time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist—Monk grew up in a boxing gym. But well before the fame and the lean-mean-grilling-machines hit his family, Foreman was just one of five brothers—all named George—growing up watching their father throw punches in a ring.

Now, Foreman wants to use that knowledge to teach a new generation of children.

Foreman is partnering with and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (the kickoff event is Thursday, Nov 20 at the Boys & Girls Club in South Boston), for a new program that will focus on improving the health and fitness of youth and teens using “boxing-inspired curriculum” incorporating education, fitness, and character development.

At the kickoff event, Foreman will lead the youths through a boxing-fitness class and talk to the kids about healthy living, staying positive, and more life skills.

The best thing about this new partnership is that it’s not a one-and-done kind of thing. The project will be ongoing, and once a week, Foreman will provide a new workout and nutrition-related goal. There’s also an interesting incentive for the youths: If they meet the “conduct and participation requirements” of the program, they’ll be awarded a special “youth membership” to Foreman’s gym. Reps say that means: “Boys & Girls Club members must maintain a minimum level of conduct with regard to their: character, fitness and health.”

Thursday, November 20; 6:30 p.m., South Boston Boys & Girls Club, 230 W Sixth St, South Boston