Malikyn Williams is fighting for a better chance at life.
At only 16, he remembers when it once spiralled out of control.
"They'd be times where I'd hit the grog. I used to be a big alcoholic,” he said.
His drinking would lead to street fights and run-ins with the police.
"I was in a bad place and it affects you, because you think no-one's there."
It all turned around when he met boxing coach Darren Finn, the first Indigenous athlete to win an Australian title in four different styles of martial arts.
Mr Finn introduced the teenager to a new program turning young lives around by teaching them the basics of boxing, mixed martial arts and fitness.
Besides learning how to jab and throw a punch, Mr Finn said the program boosts self-esteem and presents youths with valuable skills for everyday life.
"A lot of people think boxing is just about hitting but it's not. It builds discipline and respect. For example as I grew older, I was able to have that respect and that discipline to open a door for a lady and how to treat a person, how to talk to people."
Mr Finn devised the program with friend - and New England Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer - Matt Cutmore.
The men secured a $5000 grant from the NSW Police Aboriginal Unit enabling them to buy boxing gloves, focus pads and wrist tape and to launch the program in the rural NSW town of Tingha, 100km north of Armidale.
The program has had overwhelming support from the community with 50 Indigenous children and teenagers already signing up.
Growing up as a “hot-headed bloke”, Mr Finn knows first-hand the positive impact of boxing.
"As I grew older and I saw the change in myself, I knew boxing had an impact on me; it had an impact on the mind as well as the body so I can see a lot of change with them [the children]. Because I've experienced it, I know those little things I will be able to help them with in the future."
With Indigenous youth 26 times more likely to be in detention than their non-Indigenous counterparts, Mr Cutmore said he wanted to create something to stimulate the children physically and mentally.
"There was a bit of crime trending, just the basic stuff like break and enters, and little bit of assault. A lot of it has got to do with boredom, that's why we're hoping this program will keep them busy, keep them occupied, and keep them off the streets."
Local officers also volunteer at each session to train the children.
"No matter where you go there's always that stigma around Aboriginal people and police," said Mr Cutmore. "But it's our job to break down those barriers."
Mr Finn hopes their involvement will help end a cycle of negative attitudes towards the police and build positive relationships.
“There's a misconception around the community that to be a man you've got to go to jail and I'm like, well, to me when I was growing up, a man was supporting you're household. See the kids don't get that going to detention can change your future. If they both sat back and listened to each other it will be better for both worlds.”
It’s still early days but the program is already showing signs of success.
For Malikyn Williams, he’s not taking his second chance for granted.
"As each day goes by, you realise how precious life is. Darren is like a friend to me, like an angel over your back,” he said smiling.
“I think he is a big influence on the community. Through Darren, he's going to change a lot of young lives, like myself."