10-Year-Old Boxing Prodigy's Dedication Helps Father Overcome Illness

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A boxing sensation is making an impression because he's undefeated, and only 10-years-old.

His love for the sport has helped his father overcome a life threatening illness.

As CBS2's Steve Overmyer explained, Ra Leek Born just won the national championship for his age group -- yes there is sanctioned boxing for 10-year-olds.

All fighters wear headgear, and if a fighter takes a hard shot the refs will stop the fight for a standing 8 count.

"As a concerned father watching him in a physical sport, of course I worry. I feel as though his training eases my mind a little bit," Ra Tru Born said.

Ra Tru suffers from Type-2 Diabetes, but he's beaten it because Ra Leek wanted to mimic pro boxers by going vegan -- dad followed suit.

"I said he won't be able to eat these things. He kept pestering me, it affected me directly," Ra Tru said.

Ra Leek is determined and focused when in his element. He achieves goals through visualization, spending some of his time shadow boxing.

"You're acting. You can see your opponent fighting so you can punch him back," he said.

"I've never seen anything like it," Al Alvir, Eastern Queens Boxing Club said, "Right now he has everything to be a champion, but he's only 10-years-old."

Ra Leek's father also credited boxing with teaching him discipline. He's used that to help him become a better student as well. It earned him Student of the Month at his school last year.