February 07, 2025
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Photos: Learning boxing in the age of COVID-19

Boxing, whether it's the ultimate contact sport, ranks high among them. So, how can Eric Groves run a low- to no-contact boxing program for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic? "It's easy – just hitting the bags and teaching the fundamentals of boxing," Groves said.

By Eric Ginnard

Angelo Hernandez works a punching bag Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Angelo Hernandez works a punching bag Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

David Johnson works a punching bag Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Andrew Connolley works a punching ball Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Eric Groves, owner of Groves Boxing and Fitness, adjusts the form of a boxing student Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Ousmana Adama (left) and David Johnson spar in the ring Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

A boxing sign can be seen over Groves Boxing and Fitness on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Mike Dahlman punches a reflex bag Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Ousmana Adama (center) and David Johnson spar in the ring Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Ousmana Adama (right) and David Johnson spar in the ring Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Ousmana Adama (right) and David Johnson spar in the ring Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Andrew Connolley works a punching ball Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Groves Boxing and Fitness in Joliet, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)