Marco-Dean Davis co-leads Kingston summer boxing camp for youths aged 10 to 18

Marco-Dean Davis, whose parents are dancehall artistes D'Angel and Beenieman, will take on a leadership position this summer as he helps guide a three-week boxing programme built to give young people abilities that reach well past competitive sport. The initiative, named the Marco-Dean Davis and Kamahl Russel Kids Summer Boxing Camp, will accept boys and girls from 10 to 18 years old at 77 Shortwood Road, Kingston 8.

Instruction will centre on physical fitness, disciplined training and wider personal development. The camp is scheduled from July 13 to August 3.

Davis said the effort is meant to cultivate "strong bodies, confident minds and a brighter future" by supporting growth in confidence, self-esteem, coordination, balance, focus, discipline, strength, respect and teamwork.

He enters the role with about five years of amateur boxing behind him and views his own experience as sound preparation for working with younger athletes. "I was inspired to start boxing because I had weight issues growing up, so boxing definitely helped me lose the weight, gain confidence and maintain a much healthier lifestyle," Davis told the Observer Online.

Outside boxing, he is also a black belt in taekwondo, training he believes has left him with practical lessons worth sharing. "The ultimate goal for this summer camp is to inspire as many kids as I can and to help build a better mindset through every class taught. I'm also a black belt in taekwondo, so I have a lot of life skills to pass on," he said.

While handling coaching duties, Davis is also charting his own forward path. "I'll definitely be starting my professional music and boxing career while preparing for college," he shared.

His mother, D'Angel, said she is pleased to watch her son help steer other young people through an activity that has reshaped his life. "This summer camp is a dynamic, life-changing experience for your children. They will also be trained by the best. My son started boxing five years ago, and I have no regrets. I'm very excited for this journey for the kids. This summer camp is a special edition, and why I say special is because my son Marco-Dean will also be one of the trainers," she said.

Planners intend to blend ring-based work with exercises aimed at character formation, giving attendees room to form healthier routines while practising discipline and cooperation under skilled instructors. With Davis serving in a mentorship capacity beside Kamahl Russel, those behind the camp hope the programme will encourage more young Jamaicans to treat sport as a channel for personal advancement and greater self-belief.