Moore Family opens boxing gym to help Abbeville youth

Tim Moore and his wife, LaShonda Moore, are establishing the Bay City Boxing Gym in Abbeville to support youth in Abbeville and Vermilion Parish.
The Bay City Boxing Gym recently hosted a camp at the Moore residence, introducing boxing to approximately 20 local youths. Activities included walking, jumping jacks, and practicing jabbing, including hitting a punching bag for the first time.
“I want to help the kids,” said Tim. “It is my calling. We are losing a lot of kids to violence.”
Moore aims to provide a facility that helps children avoid trouble and develop life skills through boxing.
Years ago, Tim Moore operated a boxing club in a converted building on Donald Frederick’s Boulevard, across from J.H. Williams Middle School.
He closed the previous club because it lacked 501(c)(3) status, which limited fundraising. After addressing this, the Moores secured nonprofit status for the Bay City Boxing Gym.
While the Bay City Boxing Gym does not yet have a dedicated building, it continues to operate from the Moore home.
Moore has consulted with Abbeville City Judge Rick Putnam and Councilman Brady Broussard to help locate a suitable facility.
“They are on board and willing to help,” said Tim.
Once a building is secured, it will be equipped with a boxing ring, punching bags, gloves, and other essential training equipment.
He knows that getting a boxing gym off the ground will require a step-by-step approach, beginning with securing a facility. Once that is established, the next step will be to raise funds to buy a boxing ring for the new building.
“Boxing also builds up their confidence,” said Tim. “It helps them get off the street. We feel we can do a lot of great things with the boxing gym.”
If you know of an available building or wish to make a donation, please contact LaShonda Moore at (337-224-2319).
“We are trying to make a difference in Abbeville,’ said Tim. “We see the Bay Boxing Gym as a way to do that.”