Where champions are made: Mille Lacs band boxers shine at grand showdown
Story and photos by Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowion Editor
Amateur boxers from across the region test their skill and character in a showcase of discipline, courage, and sportsmanship.
The moment you step inside, the energy hits you like a jab— heavy with ambition, buzzing with adrenaline, and scented with the unmistakable grit of hard work and sweat. This is where raw talent becomes skill, where discipline is forged punch by punch, and where tomorrow's champions are molded long before the spotlight finds them.
At the Grand Showdown at Grand Casino Hinckley on November 8, that energy was on full display. Young fighters from across the region stepped into the ring, each carrying hours, weeks, months — even years — of training. Every punch, every dodge, every feint was a testament to their dedication. But what stood out most wasn't just the skill. It was the spirit of true sportsmanship. Even in the heat of competition, these kids cheered for their opponents, showed respect, and carried themselves with a kindness that reflected the heart of boxing beyond the punches.
One fighter who embodied that spirit was 18-year-old Haya Taggert, featured through Davis Boxing, run by Weylin Davis, Fred Davis, Rich Martin, Tim Taggart Sr., Kate Davis, and Harry Davis. Haya, a determined young woman with a fierce drive in the ring, faced a tough opponent in her match. Though she didn't come out with the win, her performance was a showcase of grit, focus, and the courage it takes to step into a spotlight that can be both exhilarating and unforgiving.
"I am not as good as my brother," Haya said after her match, referencing her older brother, Tim Taggert Jr., a retired championship boxer and fighter she looks up to. Tim Taggert Jr. has been a part of Davis boxing (Crossroads Boxing since 9 years old). "With more work, I hope to get there. I felt like I won the first and third round, but she beat me fair." As she wiped a bit of blood from her nose her words captured not only humility but the relentless mindset that drives amateur athletes to keep pushing themselves, round after round.
For Haya, boxing isn't just about victories or trophies; it's about growth. And for her brother Tim, who has already made a name for himself in the professional fighting world, the family connection runs deep. Tim's achievements inspire Haya, and the Davis Boxing Club provides the structured environment she needs to turn inspiration into action.
Harry Davis, has been a lifelong advocate and passionate supporter of Aazshoomog/MLBO amateur boxing which began back in 1990. Davis sees the club as more than a training ground — it's a place where young fighters learn discipline, responsibility, and respect. "Boxing isn't just about winning in the ring," Davis said. "It's about learning how to fail, how to pick yourself up, and how to carry yourself with integrity. That's what makes a champion off the canvas just as much as in it."
Throughout the Grand Showdown, that philosophy came alive in every bout. The competitors ranged from wide-eyed teenagers testing their skills to seasoned amateur boxers who had spent years perfecting their craft. For the audience, it was impossible not to be swept up in the energy — the rapid-fire punches, the squeak of gloves on leather, the rhythmic thud of bodies meeting, and the occasional blood as evidence of the battle being waged — and the unmistakable heart of young athletes who have poured their lives into the sport.
Coaches and trainers worked tirelessly in corners, offering encouragement, tactical advice, and emotional support. Parents and fans leaned forward in their seats gasping at every swing and cheering every successful maneuver. But amidst the roar of competition, moments of respect shone through a nod of recognition for a clever move, a shared smile between competitors after a tense round, or a word of encouragement between opponents. It was the human side of boxing, often overlooked, but essential to the sport's enduring appeal.
For Haya, and others like her, the Grand Showdown is more than just a fight — it's a proving ground. Every jab, hook, and uppercut represents not only physical skill but hours of discipline, dedication, and sacrifice. And while victories are celebrated, the real triumphs are measured in growth, resilience, and the bonds forged inside the gym.
"It's incredible to watch these young fighters," Davis said. "They're learning so much about themselves. They learn how to push through pain, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to respect everyone in the ring. That's what this is all about. And seeing someone like Haya put everything she has into a match, regardless of the outcome, reminds all of us why we do this."
As the Grand Showdown drew to a close, it was clear that the event had accomplished much more than crowning winners. It had strengthened a community, highlighted the power of mentorship, and underscored the unique spirit of Davis Boxing Club programs. For Haya Taggert and her peers, it was another step on a journey defined not just by punches landed, but by character, courage, and a love for the sport that will carry them into the future.
And while Haya may not have won that day, the fire in her eyes and her commitment to improving were victories in themselves — a promise that with more work, more training, and more heart, the next Grand Showdown will be hers to conquer.
Because in these gyms and in these rings, its not just about who wins or loses. It's about shaping champions — in boxing, in life, and in every moment that comes between the ropes.
The Mille Lacs Band Department of Athletic Regulation (DAR) regulates professional athletic events, such as boxing and professional mixed martial arts, held on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation to ensure the health and safety of participants and the public. The department oversees events through its Executive Director and Commissioners and is responsible for setting standards for conduct, safety, and licensing through its rules and regulations. The DAR also offers its services to other tribes, including regulating events on their behalf.
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