DALLAS — Boxing has brought out the greatest potential in 13-year-old Duncanville native Tyson Mcgriff. Just over three years ago, the young boy always found himself in a load of trouble while in class, but now thanks to a new outlet in life, he's headed on an upward path toward greatness. 

"My son was getting into trouble," said Harvest Mcgriff, Tyson Mcgriff's father and trainer. "We tried all types of activities and boxing was the one that he stuck to."

Harvest Mcgriff credits the sport of boxing for aiding him to teach his son how to harness his negative energy for the better. The tough cardio and strength training workouts Mcgriff puts his son through on a weekly basis has not only strengthened their bond, but has also provided the foundation to be a disciplined citizen. 

"I see somebody in front of me that I have to beat up, or there will be some consequences," said Tyson Mcgriff. "I don't want to lose, I want to win."

Tyson Mcgriff and his opponent show off their achievements.

The quick hands of the boxer has him competing to be the best he can, in a sport that has given him a new perspective of turning anger into strength. Tyson is undefeated so far with a 5-0 record. The young man says he someday hopes to make it on Team USA Boxing. 

'It's going to be hard. It's going to be tough, but I know I can do it," said Tyson Mcgriff. "It took a lot of my energy to put it in boxing, and I really don't get in trouble anymore." 

After noticing the new mindset Tyson gained from going toe-to-toe against others, Harvest Mcgriff knew he could potentially sprout the seeds of other young minds in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.​

"I said, 'Hey, if boxing worked for my son, it could work for the other kids of the community," said Harvest Mcgriff.

The father and son duo just hosted their first USA Boxing World Championship tournament for their Duncanville Boxing Academy nonprofit. Athletes from as far as Maryland made their way to Texas to compete for title belts.

"You got a chance to dang near kill somebody without getting in trouble, so why not take it?" said Tyson. 

Harvest said he started the boxing nonprofit to give other youth like Tyson an outlet to gain mental fortitude and release emotions in a proactive manner.

"As they see him and his success, it's inspirational to them where they can do something that's positive," said Harvest. Mcgriff.