Mackenzie Moe Finding Self-Confidence Through Boxing
16-year-old competing in National Silver Gloves Tournament
DULUTH, Minn.- 16-year-old Mackenzie Moe is currently in Missouri fighting in her second National Silver Gloves Tournament. She’s done a lot of growing up in the ring and has learned a lot about herself through the sport of boxing.
“There’s a lot that goes into boxing, not just physically but mentally.” says Moe, who attends Duluth Denfeld High School. “You have to be mentally ready to get in the ring. And actually fight. It definitely makes you more confident being in here.”
“She’s really improving her self-confidence and poise,” said Zach Walters, the Owner and CEO of Jungle Gym Boxing Academy, where Moe trains. “She’s realizing how good she is and how good she can become because she just keeps getting better.”
“My stamina and cardio has (sic) definitely got better,” claims Moe. “You know, after every fight, you get better and better.”
Moe has only boxed at Jungle Gym for a couple years now, but Walters has already seen enough to know she has what it takes to go the distance. “McKenzie, she understood what she brings to the table,” explains Walters. “She’s strong. She’s athletic, and she has a can-do attitude. You don’t have to talk to her into getting ready for a match. She’s like ‘Really, there’s a match? Let’s go!’ You know, she’s so enthusiastic about competing. And boxing is just like her athletic expression.”
“My stepdad is actually old friends with Zach and I was new to the area,” says Moe. “I just moved to Duluth and I needed something to do so he decided to bring me in. And I loved it ever since.”
No matter where Moe places at the National Silver Gloves Tournament, both she and Walters consider it a big win just to be there since it could lead to even more opportunities down the road. “When you go to nationals, it’s like 14 to 20 other boxers represents their states and regions, and that’s it!” smiled Walters. “You’re one of the upper crusts of America. It’s really cool.”
“It’s just fun watching everyone, because everyone has a different style of boxing,” said Moe. “I want to improve, learn from other people just watching them and improve myself. I’m not sure if I want to go pro yet or just keep it as a hobby. But if I ended up going pro, it’d be a great experience, you know?”
Moe says she’s also considering enlisting in the Marines following graduation, which is something she never considered before starting her boxing career.
