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Teen transforms from homeless to boxing champ

Posted at 8:18 PM, Apr 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-13 05:57:04-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- In many ways, boxing can reflect life – a struggle that can produce some devastating blows.

No one knows that better than 17-year-old E'Mond Driver. The young fighter, nicknamed "Moo Moo," has an amateur record of 37-3.

More remarkable, though, is that not long ago he and his brothers were homeless.

"Not having a place to stay … not having a persistent place to stay," Driver said. "Not having anything to eat sometimes. Growing up without a father."

Enter Team Achieve. The non-profit on the northeast side of Indy attracts young people with boxing and gives them tools for life.

"I come here, this is my family. This is who I have fun with. And they keep me off the streets," Driver said. "They keep me away from a lot of bad things in my life. To be honest, without this, I don't know where I'd be in my life."

Wells Fargo heard about the program and was so impressed it donated a house. Ascension Health raised $20,000 to donate to remodel the house. And Paul Estridge of Paul Estridge homes sent his crew in to do it.

"It means everything to me. It means I can sleep good at night. Wake up happy," Driver said.

For Driver, boxing is more than a metaphor for life.

"If you fall down and don't get up in the ring, that's what you're going to do in life," Driver said. "But, if you can take a big shot and give one right back, that's what you're going to do in life also."

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