BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Mike Tyson. Sonny Liston. Evander Holyfield, and many more. Plenty of boxing legends had rough upbringings. But at the Sheriff's Activities League, boxing, and other sports, is how they try to save kids from similar childhoods. "Our main goal is to have a safe pla ce for these kids to be at," said Deputy Iris Mendez. "I would rather them be here boxing and learning a new sport, getting in shape rather than them being exposed to gangs and drugs out in the streets." It's a place for kids to stay safe, and even make friends. Kids like 8-year-old Alexis Cruz, nicknamed "Mouse" by his peers. ‘I’m doing what wasn’t done for me’: Bakersfield woman shows resilience, strength after traumatic experiences of her youth 17's Justin White asked: Why do they call him "Mouse," you may ask? "Because I'm little," said Cruz. It's at SAL where Cruz and many others can learn to box or cheer, the other sport they offer, or take part in any of the other numerous programs they offer. Programs the kids otherwise wouldn't have access to. But if it's boxing they choose, they'll learn the art from a coach who's been teaching it for 20-plus years, Pete Baker. A man who learned how to work the speed bag from Colion Chaney, who went toe-to-toe with the late, great Joe Louis. "It teaches kids to live with a little bit of pain," said Baker. "Teaches them a lot of discipline, some skills, teaches them not to give up, teaches them that there's a pay-off for hard work. Plus it's just a lot of fun, builds their confidence." "I like how competitive it is," said 13-year-old Omar Jasso. "I like how you can hit back people… they get to learn discipline, they control their anger more." With support of their barbecue on Wednesday, right outside the 17 News studios on Compassion Corner, these kids will have the resources they need to fight another day. "They enjoy coming here, it's not only taught them a new sport but it's also taught them about teamwork," said Deputy Mendez. "Me and the coach try to help them as much as we can by coaching and mentoring them." Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage "I could tell dozens and dozens and scores of stories of kids whose lives have been transformed," said Baker. "My best girl boxer I've ever had just last year graduated Cal State with a degree in psychology, and she married the best boy boxer I've ever had. He's now in the Navy, just deployed into the Pacific. There's been tons and tons of success stories, we've rescued a lot of kids." SAL's barbecue is Wednesday, April 2, starting at 11 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. The lunch includes a tri-tip sandwich, chips and a drink for $15. You can also donate online here. ...read more read less