Lucy Laney hosts USA Boxing tournament

Morgan McDonald Jr. jabbed and punched his way to a Silver Gloves title.

Photos by Azhae'la Hanson 

The Lucy Laney Boxing Academy hosted the USA Boxing 2025 Four-State Regional Championships at Lucy Laney Elementary on Jan 18. 

Head coach Morgan McDonald was happy the school got to host this year's regional championships in North Minneapolis. The boxing academy has a roster full of national title-holding youth. Still, before this weekend, they never had the chance to display their talents in their backyard, usually having to travel upstate or out of state to compete. 

Lucy Laney boxers won a first-place team trophy and Morgan McDonald Jr. took home the youth male division lightweight Silver Gloves title. He is scheduled to fight for a national championship in Missouri in late January. 

The Lucy Laney Boxing Academy proudly received a trophy for being the “best team” from USA Boxing before bouts commenced. 

The boxing tournament drew crowds from North Dakota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Minnesota. 

Morgan Mcdonald Jr. showed a younger boxer, Jahveon Kirk how to wrap his hands before his fight. 

McDonald, left, after his final bout.

LLBA Coach Brenda Torres was among the many faces cheering for boxers from the hometown ring.

Coach Ronald Lee Jr. embraced his son Ronald Lee II right after a hard loss and told him he was proud.