Growing up in Fall River, Aaron Bernardo experienced bullying like no other.

This led to a lack of confidence as well as high levels of anxiety for Bernardo. So, he turned his attention to the sport of boxing as a seventh grader. Soon those troubles eased up.

Now the Fall River native is gratefully giving back to his community.

"I started boxing back in 2006," said Bernardo, who is the owner of Bernardo’s Boxing and Fitness gym. "I got picked on and had low confidence. When I started boxing, I learned how to protect myself and carried myself the right way. (Boxing) did everything for me and formed me into the man I am today."

See more at heraldnews.com.