SPOKANE, Wash. — A young man who spent many of his childhood years at Shriners Children's Hospital being treated for a broken and infected leg is now pursuing his passion in the boxing ring .

Rick Welliver, a former professional boxer and owner of the Spokane Boxing Gym, says 21-year-old Yakobo Mleha has put in the work.

"He’s learned that if you keep showing up and you work hard at something, anything is possible," said Welliver. "And, he’s been a big part of our gym."

Welliver says he has worked with countless athletes over the years, but few with as compelling a story as Yakobo’s.

"You’ve got people who are always looking for excuses to not box, 'I can’t do this, and this is why…and blah, blah, blah.' Yeah, you can. You can box, and that kid over there, he’s overcome dozens of ope

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