Villa Park Boxing Club

Doni Erkinov tries to perform a pull-up while his best friend Oybek Aliyev looks on. "My favorite part, I like my memories," says Erkinov. "And he's my best friend."

Anton Logun, head coach and president of the Villa Park Boxing Club demonstrates the proper way to pivot while punching on July 30 at Villa Park Boxing Club in Villa Park. Villa Park Boxing Club, formerly known as United Together Against Gangs, was founded in 1995 and began with the goal of combating youth gang violence. Since then, the nonprofit has continued that mission. Logun, himself, is a product of the program and became president after longtime head coach, Paul Pleticha, retired.

Doni Erkinov (left) and Oybek Aliyev (right ) shadowbox in front of twin mirrors. Despite moving away to different towns, the two remain inseparable, training together and carpooling to and from practice.

Oybek Aliyev, 9, spars with Kanaan Konno, 26, at Villa Park Boxing Club in Villa Park. Despite the club's head coach Anton Logun putting a heavy emphasis on kids, he also encourages boxers of all ages to work together. "I had 22 [kids] signed up. Anywhere from eight to my oldest kid was 60,"says Logun. "You don't see that all too often and it's actually a more of a positive thing for the little kids."

Doni Erkinov, 10, put in his mouth guard despite not having all of his adult teeth, on Aug. 1 at Villa Park Boxing Club in Villa Park.

Doni Erkinov (right) and Oybek Aliyev (left) warm up before the start of training on Aug. 1 in Villa Park. After having to release the majority of its members because of its uncertain future, Erkinov and Aliyev are two of the last few members who remain.

Boxer Doni Erkinov, 10, of Villa Park Boxing Club poses for a portrait outside of Trinity Lutheran Church on Aug. 1 in Villa Park. After running for 24 years out of the church's basement, the club is being forced out of its long-time home this September, leaving its future uncertain. The club charges its boxers $125 a year to promote accessibility to underserved youth, but conversely makes finding a new location with affordable rent difficult.

Oybek Aliyev, 9, takes a rest after doing ab exercises on Aug. 1 at Villa Park Boxing Club in Villa Park. Hard work has been a hallmark of the Villa Park Boxing club, instilled by the clubs head coach, Anton Logun. "Last year I think I had 40 kids, only about 10 survived," says Logun. "I don't have time to play."

Oybek Aliyev (center) spars in preparation for his first fight while his opponent receives instructions from his corner. Finding sparring partners can be difficult for younger fighters, so the Villa Park Boxing club arranges visiting fighters to make the evening trip in order to help the boxers gain experience.

Oybek Aliyev, 9, takes a deep breath after 2 hard rounds of sparring on Aug. 1 at Villa Park Boxing Club in Villa Park. Despite the difficult workouts and the club's uncertain future, Aliyev is always excited for his next day in the gym. "This is my home," he says.