LOS ANGELES, CA — August 22, 2026 — Ring of Hope LA, a nonprofit youth development initiative founded through Eastern Block Boxing, hosted its first youth sparring event on August 22, bringing young athletes, coaches, families, and members of the Los Angeles boxing community together for a day centered on development, discipline, and opportunity.
The event marked an important milestone for Ring of Hope LA as the organization continues building programs that use boxing and structured athletic training to positively impact children throughout Los Angeles.
Held at Eastern Block Boxing, the sparring event was organized in collaboration with Hamos Boxing and Apex Boxing Club LA, giving young athletes the opportunity to gain valuable ring experience in a controlled and supportive environment.
For Ring of Hope LA, however, the mission extends far beyond boxing.
Building Confidence Inside and Outside the Ring
Ring of Hope LA was created around a simple belief: every child deserves a chance.
The organization uses boxing, mentorship, and structured training as tools to help young people develop confidence, discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and a sense of belonging.
“There are no other people’s children. They are all our children, and every child deserves someone willing to believe in them,” said Salman Poddubnov, founder of Eastern Block Boxing and organizer of Ring of Hope LA. “Boxing gives us a way to teach discipline and strength, but what matters most is giving these kids confidence, guidance, friendships, and a place where they know they belong.”
Poddubnov brings more than 20 years of boxing experience to the initiative and has competed in more than 160 fights. He founded Eastern Block Boxing in Los Angeles in 2022 and has since focused on developing athletes through the fundamentals, discipline, and structure of the sport.
Follow Salman Poddubnov on Instagram: @salman.boxing on Instagram
More Than a Sparring Event
The inaugural event represented the type of community Ring of Hope LA hopes to continue building.
Young athletes were able to test the skills they have developed in training while learning how to manage pressure, respect an opponent, listen to their coaches, and carry themselves with confidence regardless of the outcome.
For parents and coaches, it was also an opportunity to see children from different boxing programs come together through a shared sport.
Ring of Hope LA’s larger goal is to create a safe and positive environment where children can train alongside strong mentors and develop skills that carry into school, relationships, and everyday life.
The program’s focus on confidence, discipline, courage, respect, perseverance, and responsibility reflects the broader youth-development mission outlined by Ring of Hope LA.
One Child at a Time
The August 22 event is only the beginning.
Ring of Hope LA plans to continue creating opportunities for youth through boxing programs, mentorship, community events, and partnerships with organizations that share its commitment to young people.
The philosophy behind the organization remains straightforward:
One child at a time. One smile at a time. One future at a time.
Because investing in children means investing in the future.
About Ring of Hope LA
Ring of Hope LA is a nonprofit youth development initiative by Eastern Block Boxing dedicated to helping children build confidence, discipline, courage, and character through boxing, mentorship, and structured athletic development.
The organization believes every child deserves access to positive influences, supportive mentors, healthy activities, and an environment where they have the opportunity to discover their potential.
Learn more about Ring of Hope LA and how to volunteer, donate, or enroll a child through the organization’s website.