Retired Police Detective Helping Disadvantaged Kids Turn Their Lives Around

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The new film, "Southpaw," was shot in Pittsburgh, and the boxing ring used in the movie was later donated to the Centre Avenue YMCA.

The move was coordinated by retired police detective Jimmy Cvetic, founder of the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League.

It's not just about boxing.

Next to the police substation in Monroeville Mall, Cvetic opened a facility called Global Glorious Productions. The teen police academy pilot program helps disadvantaged kids turn their lives around.

"I think there's no such thing as a bad kid. I think they're sometimes capable of doing bad things," Cvetic says. "They know the dangers of selling drugs. It's a quick buck and they get killed. They usually get killed or go to jail. Isn't that right, fellows? We know that. And we're going to stop it. That's who we are."

Counselor Amonte Eberhardt, 24, a professional boxer and member of the Naval Reserves, was headed down the wrong road when he met Cvetic eight years ago.

"I believe I would either be locked up in prison, like my father, or I would be dead," he says. "I know about seven people who lost their lives at the age of 15."

With role models worthy of the title, young men and women learn, as Cvetic puts it, "The right thing to do."

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter