No. 3
5/28/2024
North West Nationals Boxing Tournament
Pendleton, Oregon
Amidst the bouts, a few contests stood out—fighters displaying remarkable grit to conquer both their opponents and themselves. In those moments, I found myself awestruck by their technical prowess and sheer resolve, evoking powerful emotional responses that sent shivers down my spine. I was reminded that this is the reason I'm drawn to photographing combat sports.
While some argue that boxing has waned in popularity, at least on the amateur circuit, it seems quite the contrary. As the weekend drew to a close, I departed with a sense of optimism, convinced that we will continue to witness great boxing matches as these amateur fighters turn pro, providing us with inspiring matches for years to come.
Pendleton, OR, is renowned for its high-end wool clothing and as the home of the largest rodeo in the state. When I heard about the North West National Boxing Tournament, I couldn't have been more thrilled to journey there for the weekend, eager to document the event firsthand.
Fighters converged from various corners—California, Utah, Idaho, Washington, and, naturally, Oregon—all poised for victory. Their ages spanned the spectrum, from single-digit youngsters to seasoned adults.