.jpg)
The Virginia Military Institute boxing club team, called the Regulators, placed third overall in the 2023 United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Tournament, which was held in VMI’s Cocke Hall March 23-25.
Aidan Simmons (Class of 2023), assistant cadet in charge of the club, won the championship in his division. He also received the Ira Mitzner Collegiate Boxing Scholarship, awarded to a student who demonstrates the same love and dedication to the sport of boxing as its namesake. “Through blood, sweat and tears the Regulators poured everything we had into the USIBA Nationals 2023, proving our dedication to the brotherhood both on and off the ring,” said Simmons. “I have never been so certain that the future of the program is in great shape as we continue to work toward the next victory.”
Valor Boyd (Class of 2024) was named best boxer of the tournament with his undefeated record of 7-0, along with a silver level academic All-American award. “We fight for those on either side of us, we fight to represent the sacrifices we and our coach have made, we fight to represent the discipline and will of the VMI cadet,” said Boyd. “We like winning, we love titles, but we walk into that ring to conquer respect, and VMI boxing made a statement at the tournament like we always do, and that is a resolute success.”
Jackson Miller (Class of 2024) received a Fight of the Night trophy and a gold level academic All-American status. “It was a great tournament,” said Miller. “Boxing is an incredibly rewarding sport.”
The Regulators’ coach, Joe Shafer, received the Best Coach of the Tournament award. “This tournament provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the team’s countless hours of hard work, dedication and discipline. The Regulators showed strength and solidarity as a team and individual fighters. I couldn’t be prouder of my fighters,” said Shafer.
The USIBA is the premier college boxing governing body in the country. It was formed in 2012 by college students and boxing coaches as a safe, competitive, and exciting league for their teams. USIBA was a pioneer in co-ed intercollegiate club sports, being the first to introduce a women’s boxing championship.
More than 30 colleges from across the country participated in the tournament.
