Kalamazoo Teen Boxer Evan Jackson Aims for Glory at USA Boxing Open

The 19-year-old prodigy's aggressive, punch-first style has made him a rising star, but can it propel him to the top of the boxing world?

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:19am

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An extreme close-up of a boxer's face and upper body, rendered in a vibrant, expressionist style with rapid brushstrokes and neon colors, capturing the raw power and aggression of the sport.Evan Jackson's relentless, punch-first style has made him a force to be reckoned with in the boxing ring, as he aims to shock the world with his explosive energy and unwavering determination.Pueblo Today

Evan Jackson, a 19-year-old boxer from Kalamazoo, Michigan, is poised to make his mark on the sport with his relentless, punch-first fighting style. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of his father, Jackson has emerged as a formidable force, claiming four championship titles, including the prestigious 2025 Golden Gloves crown. Now, he's set to compete in the 2026 USA Boxing International Open in Pueblo, Colorado, where he'll face the world's best and look to prove that his aggressive approach can make him a boxing legend.

Why it matters

Jackson's journey represents a potential shift in the boxing world, where finesse and technique have traditionally been valued over raw aggression. His unapologetic, punch-first style has drawn both praise and criticism, raising questions about whether this approach can lead to success at the highest levels of the sport.

The details

Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 154 pounds, Jackson has honed his skills at Kzoo Boxing in Kalamazoo, where he's trained under the guidance of coach Jermont Reece. With over eight years of relentless training, Jackson has developed lightning-fast reflexes and a technical prowess that, combined with his aggressive mindset, has made him a formidable opponent. His trainer describes him as a 'punching machine' who is 'designed to fight'.

  • Jackson discovered Kzoo Boxing through a simple Google search five years ago.
  • He has claimed four championship titles, including the 2025 Golden Gloves crown.
  • Jackson's father, Carnell, passed away from stomach cancer in 2019, which fueled his determination to succeed in boxing.
  • Jackson will compete in the 2026 USA Boxing International Open in Pueblo, Colorado this weekend.

The players

Evan Jackson

A 19-year-old boxer from Kalamazoo, Michigan, who has developed a relentless, punch-first fighting style that has made him a rising star in the sport.

Jermont Reece

Jackson's trainer at Kzoo Boxing, who has played a pivotal role in shaping his career and becoming a father figure to the young boxer.

Carnell Jackson

Evan Jackson's father, who passed away from stomach cancer in 2019, which fueled Evan's determination to succeed in boxing.

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What they’re saying

“The ring feels like an empty room. It's my focus realm. I don't hear anything else until that bell goes off.”

— Evan Jackson, Boxer

“He's designed to fight. He's a technical puncher, extremely fast, and aggressive. He's a punching machine.”

— Jermont Reece, Evan Jackson's Trainer

“It got me back on track. It helped me find myself.”

— Evan Jackson, Boxer

“He's made this place a home for me. It's where I find peace.”

— Evan Jackson, Boxer

“I'm with the best of the best, but I am the best of the best. It's my time to shine.”

— Evan Jackson, Boxer

What’s next

Jackson and his trainer, Jermont Reece, will travel to Pueblo, Colorado this weekend to compete in the 2026 USA Boxing International Open, where he'll face the world's best boxers and look to prove that his aggressive, punch-first style can make him a champion.

The takeaway

Evan Jackson's journey represents a potential shift in the boxing world, where his unapologetic, punch-first style has drawn both praise and criticism. As he prepares to compete against the best in the sport, the question remains: Can Jackson's aggressive approach and unwavering self-belief propel him to the top, or will it ultimately be his downfall?