MOSCOW, RUSSIA DEC. 2023

IN THE WINTER OF 2023, A TEAM OF AMERICAN FIGHTERS FLEW TO MOSCOW TO CHALLENGE “TEAM RUSSIA”

St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow, illuminated at night with snow on the ground and people walking.
Two men holding an American flag in front of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow during winter, with snow on the ground and other people in the background.

“Five American fighters versus five Russian fighters” That was all I needed to hear to accept this assignment Flying from Bordertown El Paso, Texas to Moscow, Russia during a highly escalated war between Russia and Ukraine, seemed like a terrible idea to anyone who heard about this. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. Fear mainly came from being in a plane that would have to fly around a very active war zone, a war which the US has funded since its inception by providing funds and military equipment to Russia’s enemy. However, this assignment taught me a lot about the importance of seeing the other side of the coin in every world conflict. This battle of American vs Russian boxers became a reminder that even through war time, sports like boxing will allow us to visit “enemy territory” for a symbolic battle. May these photos age in a world of world peace.

Three people dressed in elaborate historical costumes posing on a snowy street decorated with bright holiday lights and illuminated trees at night.
A soldier in formal military uniform standing inside a glass phone booth in a snowy outdoor setting at night, with a brick wall in the background.
Group of six men in boxing gear and casual clothing holding an American flag in a room with wooden walls.
Two shirtless male fighters engaged in a boxing match, one delivering a punch to the other's head in a boxing ring, with spectators in the background.
A victorious boxer wearing black shorts with gold trim and the word 'RUSSIA' on the waistband, raising his arm in victory, while his opponent in white shorts with gold trim faces him with his back to the camera. An official in black attire is raising the winner's arm inside a boxing ring with an audience watching.
Crowd of people gathered in a snowy city square in front of a red brick historical building with ornate architecture and twin towers, decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments, during evening.