CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) − Teenage boxing champion Lorenzo Powell dispensed school supplies and advice to dozens of Carmichael kids during a backpack giveaway last weekend. Sponsored by the Midas auto shop, the event was geared to help families with back-to-school expenses.

In July, Powell (19) became the top amateur in his division by winning the USA National Championship in Wichita, Kansas. A week later, he took the Golden Gloves State Championship in Fresno. Bouts in Tulsa, Oklahoma next week will decide his fortune in the Golden Gloves National Championship.

Taking a break from training, the local celebrity was a knockout at Midas.

“I’m honored to help kids like this,” Powell said. “I never say no to an opportunity to give back.”

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The youngest of nine children in his South Sacramento family, Powell took up boxing at 11. Coached by former fighter Marty Chima, he maintained a 3.9 grade point average while training to win his “Desert Showdown” belt in Indio, California in 2016.

“Even when he was out of town for three weeks, Lorenzo stayed on top of his studies,” Chima recalled. “He’s disciplined. One night, after he won a quarter-final fight, he rushed back to the hotel and finished a school assignment. It had a 12-midnight deadline and he turned it in at 11:59 p.m. − and scored an A.”

Among Powell’s proudest trophies is a medal that attests to his integrity. The athlete shared his story with young supporters in Carmichael. While jogging in Sacramento last year, he found an abandoned satchel, inside was $3000 and the owner’s ID. He returned the cash (the proceeds of a fundraiser) to the 93-year-old owner and was offered a $50 reward.

“At the time I was fundraising for my own expenses,” he said. “I was selling tee shirts for $25 each. I gave the lady two of them. That way, we were even. I didn’t want a reward for doing the right thing.”

Powell’s “right thing” nevertheless made the news. U.S. Boxing administrators dispatched a medal in recognition.

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“I’m proud of it,” Powell said. “If I can do something good through my sport, being a role model is part of that. I dedicate my life to boxing and helping others.”

Training up to six hours a day at coach Chima’s Danger Zone gym in North Highlands, the boxer has maintained the same weight − and humility − since he was 15.

“When we’re in a restaurant, people gravitate to Lorenzo like he’s a celebrity,” Chima explained. “He has a shine about him. Yet, he stays humble. He’s respectful to kids and adults.

“When he wins a fight, he doesn’t brag. He goes over and raises his opponent’s hand like they’re both winners.”