Pugilism with a purpose

HURON — The sweet science is coming to Huron. Sandusky natives and brothers Miguel and Luis Dominguez Jr. are chasing two dreams: to own and operate a boxing club and for Luis to enter the world of professional boxing. Starting this past week, they are one step closer with the opening of the Dominguez Boxing Club, 2012 Cleveland Road W., in a plaza near the Rye Beach Road intersection near a McDonald's, in Huron. From the bottom to the top Their story is as old as the sport of boxing, using the ring as a way "out and up" in life. It's a popular boxing phrase to elevate oneself. "I used to get in fights all the time as a kid," Luis said. "I was always getting in trouble and fighting, but when I started to learn to box, my confidence and self-esteem went up." Luis and Miguel started boxing in their mid-teens, but both found specialized talents: Luis had a gift inside the ring, and Miguel had talent as a coach. Now Miguel trains Luis — who's a pugilist, the proper term for a boxer — who currently has an amateur record of 11-4 and plans to have his first professional bout by the end of the year. A class for every goal The gym will offer classes for all ages and sexes with some focusing on cardio and fitness while others prepare students to enter the ring competitively. The real passion for the Dominguez brothers lies in providing a safe and educational space for teens to focus their combativeness. "When I was in school, all I wanted to do was fight, and it got me in so many messed up situations," Luis said. "I want to be able to give the kids in the community a place to not only get their frustrations out but learn discipline. Why fight at school? Come here and get that aggression out." A family affair The brothers credit their parents, Almalinda Cruz and Luis Dominguez Sr., both from Sandusky, with their success and the ability to open the gym and fulfill their dreams. "Without the love and support of our mom and dad, we could never be where we are," Luis said. The gym can be reached at dominguezboxingclub@gmail.com.