In an inspiring effort to merge his passion for boxing with his commitment to mental health advocacy, Carlos Rivera, a 21-year-old boxer from Dallas, recently organized the “Knockout for a Cause” charity event. This unique event was designed to raise funds for local mental health initiatives while promoting awareness about the often-overlooked mental health struggles of athletes.
Held at the Dallas Convention Center, the event featured an exhibition match between Carlos and a fellow boxer, Mark Stevens, who also shares a commitment to using their platform for good. “The idea came to me after I realized how important it is to talk about mental health in sports,” Carlos said.
The event featured live sparring, meet-and-greets with local athletes, and a series of workshops focused on mental wellness, stress management, and overcoming mental health challenges in the competitive world. “Boxers are expected to be physically strong, but we need to remind people that our mental health is just as important,” Carlos explained.
Through generous donations and ticket sales, $50,000 was raised, which will be used to support mental health programs across the Dallas area, including counseling services and outreach programs for at-risk youth. The event also featured a silent auction, with all proceeds going to mental health research.
Carlos’s message resonated with many in attendance, and he was praised for using his influence to make a tangible difference in the community. “This event was about more than just boxing—it was about opening the door for athletes to discuss mental health without shame,” said Coach Elena Soto, who has worked closely with Carlos.