06/09/2026
🥊 WHAT A HISTORIC WEEKEND FOR SLCSO PAL BOXING! 🥊
This weekend was packed full of boxing action, lessons learned, victories earned, and memories made as our team traveled to Bena, Minnesota (Located on the leech Lake Reservation) for what was a truly special milestone.
This event marked the first-ever boxing event for the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office PAL Boxing Club. After opening our doors in February, several of our athletes stepped into the ring for the first time and represented our program with pride, courage, and determination.
It was also a significant milestone for Head Coach Joe Lorenzi.
Over the past two decades, Coach Lorenzi has had the privilege of building three boxing programs and preparing athletes for their first competitive bouts. His first club, Lorenzi's Boxing, debuted its first team in 2007 on the Leech Lake Reservation. Years later, the Bemidji Boxing Club sent its first team into competition in 2021 in Hinckley, Minnesota. This weekend, history repeated itself as the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office PAL Boxing Club brought its first team into competition on the Leech Lake Reservation in Bena, Minnesota.
To see another group of young athletes take that first walk to the ring is something special and a reminder of why these programs matter.
🔥 First up was GREY VITTORIO in his very first bout against a tough boxer from Leech Lake Boxing Club.
From the opening bell, Grey was the aggressor, landing sharp jabs, solid combinations, and showcasing slick head movement. He stayed composed, worked hard every round, and earned a well-deserved victory when his hand was raised at the end of the match.
Congratulations, Grey! Your hard work in the gym is paying off.
💪 Next was MALIKI MARQUARDT who stepped up on short notice to take on a tough opponent from North Dakota.
In his first bout, MALIKI wasn't quite sure what to expect, and his opponent came out fast and aggressive. Despite a difficult start, MALIKI showed tremendous heart and determination. As the fight progressed, he found his rhythm and became more competitive each round. Although the bout was stopped in the third round, MALIKI never quit, continued to battle, and gained valuable experience that will help him grow as a boxer.
Wins and losses don't define a fighter—heart, courage, and perseverance do. We are incredibly proud of MALIKI and his effort.
🥊 REX VITTORIO also stepped into the ring for his first bout against a tough boxer from the Twin Cities.
His opponent came out firing nonstop punches, making it difficult for Rex to settle into his rhythm early. Despite the fast pace, Rex remained composed and continued to gather himself throughout the bout. The referee eventually stopped the contest, but Rex walked out of the ring healthy, smiling, and eager to get back to work.
First fights are never easy, and Rex showed the toughness and courage it takes to compete. We are proud of him and excited to see his continued growth.
🔥 Our fourth bout featured a familiar face!
DZHAE GOODWIN may be new to the PAL team, but he is no stranger to boxing. Dzhae previously boxed at Lorenzi's Gym before it closed in 2018 and answered a last-minute call to help fill a matchup for Leech Lake Boxing Club.
Once the bell rang, Dzhae looked like he had never left the sport. He was fast, sharp, slick, and focused throughout the contest. Turning back the clock, Dzhae put on a tremendous performance and earned a victory when his hand was raised at the end of the bout.
Welcome back, Dzhae!
🥊 Meanwhile, Coach TYLER NYSTROM was competing in Wisconsin in his eighth professional boxing match.
Tyler faced the toughest opponent of his professional career and showed exactly why hard work, discipline, and determination matter. Using lightning-fast hands and devastating counter punches, Tyler stopped his opponent in the fourth round.
Even more impressive, Tyler became the first boxer to stop this opponent in his career.
We couldn't be prouder of Tyler and everything he represents as a coach, mentor, veteran, and fighter. With performances like this, a Wisconsin State Title opportunity may be right around the corner!
❤️ Most importantly, we are thankful for every opportunity our boxers have to step into the ring, challenge themselves, and grow as young men and women.
This weekend wasn't just about wins and losses. It was about first steps, overcoming fear, believing in yourself, and representing something bigger than yourself.
For the SLCSO PAL Boxing Club, this was our first event. For our athletes, it was the beginning of a journey. And for our coaches, families, and supporters, it was a reminder that when a community comes together to invest in its youth, great things can happen.
The future is bright for SLCSO PAL Boxing Club, and we're just getting started.
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