CITY COLLEGE–“Out there, people see a Black kid with a hoodie and think they already know my story,” Khalil said. “But in here, in the gym? I get to write it myself.”
At Fight Back MMA in Harlem, 18-year-old Khalil Clark uses fast hands and sharp instincts to stand out in a competitive field of young boxers. He hopes to qualify for the Golden Gloves of America, the same tournament that helped launch the careers of Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, and Zab Judah.
He has a long way to go. Before Khalil can step into the spotlight, he must prove himself in a series of small, local fights known as smokers and amateur bouts. These are unofficial or low-stakes matches where new fighters gain experience and toughen up. These early fights test more than just skill. They challenge a boxer’s stamina, patience, and mental strength.
