When Constantine "Gus" Bejenaru came to the U.S. from Moldova in 2012, he had the American Dream in his heart.

"My hero is Mike Tyson, and I wanted to fight professionally like him - to become a great American champion," Bejenaru told News 12 Friday.

The 40-year-old husband and dad would go on to realize that dream and become a WBC International champ and a WBC Continental America's Champ.

Now, he's offering free boxing lessons to first responders at Gus Boxing Gym in Milford, the business he opened.

"My wife is a nurse and I saw the amazing people she worked with during the pandemic - police officers, firefighters, doctors and nurses," Bejenaru said.

"I wanted to offer them something that's healthy, practical and a big stress reliever - and it feels great to see them smiling and happy when they finish their training. They are so grateful, and it makes my day. It's the least I can do for these amazing men and women who put their lives on the line for all of us," he said.

The free lessons are available at Gus Boxing Gym at 354 Woodmont Road in Milford at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The phone number is 203-402-8449.