They just made history with their fists—and their hearts.

This past weekend, the Morehouse College Boxing Club, a student-run organization built on passion, discipline, and brotherhood, became the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to ever compete in the U.S. Intercollegiate Boxing Association (USIBA) National Tournament (Atlanta News First). And they didn’t just show up—they dominated.

Two of the club’s standout fighters, Elijah McLean and Kaleb Hudson, captured national titles in their respective weight divisions, shattering barriers and proving once more that Black excellence rises in every arena, including the boxing ring. Their victories mark a milestone not only for Morehouse but for all HBCUs, which have long been underrepresented in collegiate boxing.

“In the 20 years that USIBA has been established, to our knowledge, there has never been an HBCU in the tournament,” said Jacobey Bell, the club’s founder and president. “And there aren’t many HBCUs with a boxing club in general.” His words echo a broader truth: access to combat sports at the collegiate level has historically been limited, especially for Black institutions.

According to Morehouse College’s Chief of Police Charles Prescott, a dedicated supporter of the club, the absence of HBCUs from major boxing tournaments goes back decades. With NCAA boxing no longer sanctioned since the 1960s (ESPN), programs like Morehouse’s have had to operate independently, without the funding, structure, or institutional backing that varsity programs enjoy.

“Since NCAA boxing stopped being sanctioned in the ’60s, our club had to stand on its own outside the athletics umbrella,” Prescott wrote in a celebratory social media post. “This victory is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our student-athletes and the epitome of Morehouse. When there’s a need for change, there’s always a Morehouse Man somewhere present.”

Despite these challenges, the Morehouse Boxing Club has continued to grow. What began as a student-initiated club evolved this year into a seven-member competitive team—built through grit, volunteer coaching, and community support rather than formal athletic department resources. Students trained during early mornings and late nights, often balancing demanding academics with intense conditioning sessions.

Their road to the national tournament in Macon, Georgia, was far from smooth. Funding remained one of their biggest hurdles. Without an athletics budget, the club relied on donations, fundraising efforts, and the generosity of allies. Chief Prescott, committed to helping the athletes succeed, personally contributed funds and helped secure additional support to cover travel, equipment, and lodging expenses (USA Today).

The investment paid off.

Elijah McLean (17–8) claimed the 168-pound Men’s Open title, defeating Glenville State University’s Aaron O’Connor (9–2) in a decisive bout. Meanwhile, Kaleb Hudson showcased tremendous promise by winning the 140-pound Beginner B bracket, triumphing over the University of Washington’s Evan Lee.

The USIBA Open division is reserved for fighters with 10 or more sanctioned fights, while the Beginner division is limited to those with two or fewer (NPR). McLean and Hudson’s victories demonstrate the wide range of talent emerging from Morehouse—both the seasoned veterans and the rising newcomers.

Prescott credits the college community for uplifting the program: “A huge shout-out to Morehouse College and our Student Services for their continued support! As a registered student organization, the Boxing Club has flourished, and we couldn’t have done this without all the support.”

Their story is bigger than boxing. It is a testament to what happens when vision meets determination—and when a community refuses to let structural barriers dictate its potential. Their victory expands the blueprint for what HBCU athletic excellence can look like, even outside traditional sports.

Because of them, the next generation of Black boxers can walk into the ring knowing they belong—in competition, in the record books, and in the story of our collective excellence.