Charles “Duke” Tanner was born in Gary, Indiana, and began his boxing career at six years old. Duke

was trained by the legendary William Murphy and worked with Angelo Dundee, who famously trained

boxing icon Muhammad Ali. Duke won a bronze medal at the 1996 Junior Olympic World games.

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As a young boxer with a promising career with a 19-0 record, things drastically turned when he became

involved in a non-violent drug conspiracy. At 24 and a first-time offender, he was arrested, tried, and

received a double-life prison sentence in 2004. His sentence was later reduced to 30 years, and he only

served 16 of those years. On October 21, 2021, President Donald Trump gave Duke a second chance

and granted him clemency.

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After coming home, Duke founded the urban clothing line Freedom 20-0. He also hosted food drives

that feed over hundreds of families in Gary, Indiana alongside more than 75 Black leaders across the

community. Duke is now serving his community as a Community Developer with the well-known

company, Engineered Tax Services, and an ambassador for Athletes for America.

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With his newfound freedom, Duke is using his platform to empower young children, raise awareness

on fatherhood, criminal justice reform, and promote unity throughout the country with the Duke Tanner Foundation.

 

​The Duke Tanner Foundation leverages its relationships with city leaders to identify churches and communities in need. By partnering with mayors, the foundation can direct vital grant funding to the pastors and organizations best positioned to make a lasting impact.

 

He has spoken to thousands of Americans in churches across the country to share his story of redemption and spread the word of God. He has also reached tens of thousands online via TV interviews and podcasts and has a book coming out summer of 2024.