Meet POPBOX Club's co-founder, Sara Jones

We sat down with Sara, the co-founder and Chair of the POPBOX Club, to learn more about her story, involvement, and vision.

Can you tell us a little about your boxing journey and what first drew you to the sport?

I was only introduced to boxing as a cardio fitness routine in my mid-fifties. I instantly loved it because it awakened my brainpower and coordination. I then met Tyron at Southpaw, and here we are today – POPBOX Club!

POPBOX is built around the idea of 'Strong Mind, Strong Body.' What does that phrase mean to you?

With a deep passion for mentoring, POP [the Power of Perception] has been a part of my life for over 20 years. My first visit to the Juvenile Detention at Pollmoor inspired the creation of the POP program.

Chatting with the young guys there opened a whole new world for me. POP actively shows adolescents how to shift their perspective from negative to positive, while also enhancing their understanding of themselves as sensory beings and their complete uniqueness across all aspects of life.

After the first trial run of POPBOX, we saw the immediate impact it had on the boys and have also seen how their newfound understanding of themselves brings lightness to their homes and immediate environment. So, we triggered the opening of the official club.

I also say – you’ve got to have a strong mind to get you up and out of bed to build a strong body – to sustain life.

What do you enjoy most about working with the young POPBOXERS?

As a bystander, I can literally see how the boys evolve month to month. It is heartwarming and a privilege to witness.

In your experience, how does boxing help young people outside of the ring — in school, at home, or in their communities?

For this, I will go to the POP section and the curriculum. The Power of Perception is such a fundamental concept that, once understood, it can significantly improve your perspective of your immediate environment.

The combination of understanding how to protect your mind through POP and then safeguard your body through BOX seems like an excellent foundation to build one's life upon. We have seen the impact! It's real.

What’s your vision for POPBOX in the next few years?

To slowly but surely build and maintain the integrity and footprint of the combination of POP and BOX.

If you could describe POPBOX in three words, what would they be?

POPBOX in three words: Enlightening, Empowering, Everlasting!

Connect with Sara on Linkedin

📸 Photography Credit: Tithonia Roux Photography

Step Into the Ring of Support

Every jab, every drill, every breakthrough, it all happens because of the people in our corner. By joining the POPBOX Ring of Support, you become part of a growing community of individuals and organisations investing in the futures of these young athletes. Whether it’s R50 or R100 per month, your contribution makes a real difference.

📋 Donate or learn more at: https://www.popbox.club/ringofsupport

Together, we’re forging future champions. One round at a time.

Strong Mind. Strong Body. Strong Community.