Five Wins, One Loss, and a Reason to Keep Showing Up (Return of the MAC IV)
At Champ’s Gym, the work of keeping young people focused continues after the bell.
At Champ’s Gym, the work of keeping young people focused continues after the bell.
Roanoke, VA
Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff
Published: 8:40 AM EST October 21, 2026
Edited: 8:40 AM EST October 21, 2026
Listen Here: Roanokesradio.com
The ring was the center of attention at Roanoke’s Berglund Center Special Events Center on Saturday. However, some of the most important work behind Return of the MAC IV happened long before the first bell, in ordinary training sessions, in conversations between rounds, and in the decision to keep coming back.
On October 17, six Roanoke boxers entered contested bouts. Five of those fighters won their fights. Five of those fighters represented Melrose Athletic Club’s Champ’s Gym, and one represented Champions of Change Boxing. The numbers made for a good afternoon of boxing, but the people behind them tell a longer story that stretches beyond the evening.
Dayshawn Boston walked into his first amateur fight and came out with a decision victory over Jamal Thompson. Jahshawn Law, 17, was also making his debut. His opponent, Ian Grijalva, had seven bouts listed in his matching record. Law won convincingly anyway. In one photograph from the day, head coach Jamie Henderson leans in at the corner, talking to Law between rounds. It is a small picture of what a boxing gym can give someone: an adult paying attention, instructions to follow, and another chance to get it right.
Amir Salama, 17, won a unanimous decision over Luke Morales. Kristrion Ward, 19, lost a decision to Justin Petry in his first amateur bout. There was no belt for Ward that afternoon, but stepping into the ring for the first time took its own measure of preparation and nerve.
Across the local boxing community, 18-year-old Rodny Dorcelus of Champions of Change added a decision victory over Riley Hinojosa. He came into the event already a 2026 Golden Gloves novice-division champion. His coach, Everett Sawin, was part of the network of adults helping local fighters prepare for the occasion.
Then came Jamarion “Chucky” Henderson. At 16, he already had the experience of a two-time Virginia Silver Gloves champion. He defeated Jalen Caster of Man of War Boxing and Fitness Academy in Stafford, Virginia, by unanimous decision over three rounds. He plans to compete in the Silver Gloves again in November.
Before he fought, Jamarion spoke to the Roanoke Rambler and spoke of the importance of discipline and leadership. Then, immediately before the fight, he spoke with WDBJ7 about boxing as a way for young people to stay focused and away from trouble. The interview was not a post-victory reflection. It came before the contest, when the outcome was still unknown. His words described why he was there, win or lose.
Two other athletes never got their chance to box. Miguel Zaragoza-Romero of MAC, 15, and Alex Saunders of Ninth Dimension trained, made weight and reported ready to compete. When their scheduled contests did not happen, both received walkover victories and belts. The recognition mattered, even without a bell to start their bouts.
At the beginning of the event, MAC President Victor Banks welcomed the crowd and Mayor Joseph Cobb offered greetings. Among those watching were City Council members Nicholas Hagen and Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Sheriff Antonio Hash, former Mayor Sherman Lea Sr., and former Council member and candidate Stephanie Moon-Reynolds.
Beyond the Ring
Champ’s Gym traces its beginnings to 1972. More than five decades later, the premise is still straightforward: give young people and young adults a place to go, coaches who know them, and something difficult but worthwhile to work toward. There are rounds to finish, skills to learn, mistakes to correct and teammates expecting them to return.
No boxing program can promise to prevent every act of gun violence. But prevention is not only what happens after a crisis. It is also the routine work of making room for better choices before one happens. Time spent training and learning discipline is time spent with purpose, rather than drifting toward the temptations and dangers of the streets.
By the end of Saturday, the ring was empty and the belts had been handed out. The next important moment would come without an audience: a young person walking back through the gym door for another day of work.