He's the undefeated NABO Flyweight Boxing Champion, but it's what Ray Whitfield's doing out of the ring that's scoring a knockout with kids.

Ray "Stingray" Whitfield calls the Augusta Boxing Club his second home. The flyweight boxing champ, with a 21 and 0 record, has been practicing his punch at the club since he was 11.

“I just love this place and love this atmosphere and the people who come through these doors they are like family to me,” he said.

It's a family that continues to grow thanks to his mentor program. Five days a week you can find Ray teaching the sport to dozens of at risk youth. He also hosts several community events to instill in them, the motto he lives by, "It's Better To Sweat in the Gym - Than Bleed In The Streets."

“I just tell them to find something they like no matter what it is as long as it’s positive and do it as long as they can until they find their way,” he said.

Both likeable and approachable there's no one Ray won't make time for. Though a fierce competitor, his grandmother, Betty McClendon says he's soft at heart.

“I see a momma's boy, a very determined young family man and I really like that,” he said.

While he encourages kids to set goals and accomplish them one step at a time, he too has a goal of his own. He wants to be the heavyweight champion of the world. Something he plans to accomplish despite his critics.

“People told me I was too little I couldn't do it, so I feel like I'm on top of the world right now,” he said.