What’s it like to take a punch? Host Trevor has never been in a fight in his life, until now. 

This week Trevor follows his curiosity to Pan Am Boxing Club, the oldest boxing club in Winnipeg. That’s where he discovers that at this fight club, they’re changing lives. 

Every two weeks the rainbow and trans flags fly in the non-profit gym when Jesse Jordan leads the Umbrella boxing program for 2SLGBTQ+ community, challenging the binary nature of the sport and changing the face of boxing. 

Next door to the boxing club, Pan Am Place is described by resident Kyle Grenier as “a big house with lots of dudes who like to fight.” He then laughs heartily as he is corrected by former resident Will Bress, “I would also call it a sober living house.”  

Run by the people who lead the gym, men who struggle with homelessness, addiction and incarceration can live at Pan Am Place rent free if they work out at the gym, volunteer their time, and actively strive to improve their lives. Hear how friendships are formed, lives are changed and what advice Will offers Kyle as he prepares to move out.

Twice a week Chris Sarifa drives from his job, as manager of Pan Am Place, to the north end of the city where he opens the doors to the free North End Boxing Club for kids aged 12-17. From the boy with the lisp who’s gaining confidence to the kid who needs to let his “inner tiger” out, this club is helping keep these kids safe and making them strong.

Back in the gym, volunteer trainer Tia Jakab brings her six week old baby, Olive, to Pan Am Boxing Club for the very first time. We discover this former competitive fighter has had two concussions and is struggling with her desire to get back in the ring, and her need to stay safe for her daughter. 

Harry Black has been involved with Pan Am Boxing Club almost since it opened in 1968. As President and head trainer Harry, and his wife Susan Black, built the non-profit gym into the volunteer-based high performance place it is. At 67, he’s never stopped training as a fighter, and has high expectations for everyone who comes through the doors. They share what it took to build Pan Am Place, and their visions for the future.

It’s finally time for Trevor Dineen to get in the ring to throw (and take) his very first punch ever. With his self-appointed coach, Harry Black, in his corner, Trevor steps up to his opponent, Dylan Martin, a fighter with Canada’s national team. Can he go toe to toe?