Fighters from JMU and the UVa gathered at Charlottesville High School for a night of combat, drawing friends, family and spectators from across the region, on Saturday night, Sept. 26, 2026. The school’s gymnasium was transformed into a fight venue, with a cage at the center and crowds surrounding it. Throughout the night, fighters exchanged blows, paused between rounds to catch their breath and returned to the cage.
boxing 1
2 hrs ago
Residents of Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and surrounding areas gather at Charlottesville High School, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, to watch a boxing event between students from JMU and the UVa.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
Boxing 2
2 hrs ago
The first fight of the night began around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Fighters warmed up in private before entering the main cage in the high school gym.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 3
2 hrs ago
Two fighters collide and yell as they struggle to overpower one another during a fight.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 4
2 hrs ago
A fighter pauses on the ground for about 10 seconds to catch his breath before continuing the fight.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 5
2 hrs ago
A fighter is pinned against the cage as his opponent repeatedly strikes him in the stomach.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
L1004353.jpg
13 hrs ago
A fighter rest on the cage to catch his breath during a break in the match.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 7
2 hrs ago
A look of fear crosses a fighter’s face toward the end of a fight.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 8
2 hrs ago
The fighter shields his face with his gloves before being struck by his opponent.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
L1004371.jpg
13 hrs ago
Fighters narrowly doge each others hits.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 9
2 hrs ago
The winner of the second fight is lifted by the referee as the crowd cheers.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 10
2 hrs ago
Spectators yell and recoil as fighters exchange punishing blows during bouts Saturday night.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 11
2 hrs ago
The gymnasium at Charlottesville High School is transformed into a fight venue, with the main cage surrounded by seating.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze
boxing 12
2 hrs ago
Family and friends of the fighters shout warnings and advice from the crowd throughout the night.
Landon Shackelford | The Breeze