Philippines, 29 Aug 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


From the Army to the Ring: Naomi Graham's Inspiring Story

PhilBoxing.com




COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 10, 2023) -- In the world of boxing, history is often forged by those who dare to defy the odds and break new ground. Naomi Graham, a star in the realm of boxing, stands on the precipice of such an achievement. Notably, Graham became the first active female military member to proudly represent USA Boxing in an Olympic Games in 2020. As she prepares to represent the United States at the upcoming 2023 Santiago Pan American Games this October, her sights are set on another milestone that has never been reached in the history of USA Boxing, becoming the first ever boxer, male or female, to win back-to-back gold medals at a Pan American Games.

Growing up, Naomi's inspiration came from her older sister, who was a boxer herself. At just the age of nine, Naomi felt an undeniable pull towards the sport. However, her mother didn’t allow her to box or compete until she was much older. It wasn't until Graham reached the age of 24 that she finally stepped into the ring for her first bout. But for Naomi, her family's influence extended beyond her sister. She looked up to her mother as a source of strength and composure, both inside and outside the boxing ring. It was from her mother that Naomi inherited the discipline and resilience that would come to define her athletic career.

Naomi decided to follow in her mother's footsteps by joining the Army in February 2013. Her mother served for six years in the military and had left a lasting impression on her. Joining the Army was a dream Graham had harbored since her childhood, a dream she often shared with her mother. Stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, her military service became the foundation upon which her boxing career would be built.

Once in the Army, Naomi Graham found her way to a boxing gym, where her potential was quickly recognized. She crossed paths with a sergeant from the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), who guided her through the application process to join the Army boxing team. This marked the official beginning of her boxing career, a journey that would take her to unexpected heights.

Fast forward to the present, Naomi Graham finds herself on the cusp of etching her name into USA Boxing history again. Her ambitious quest to secure consecutive Pan American gold medals, a quest that has never been accomplished before by an American boxer, stands as a testament to her unwavering determination. As she prepares to compete in the 75kg weight division this month in Santiago, she seeks to replicate her outstanding performance from 2019, a triumph that would earn her a ticket to her second Olympic Games.

"Anytime I get to represent my country, it's a great feeling,” Graham stated. “If I'm able to bring gold back to my country. It will feel great."

Naomi Graham responds with humility and patriotism that define her character. Graham is currently preparing for the upcoming Pan American Games as she acknowledges the significance of her preparation.

"So, this is actually the best camp I've felt in a long time, to be honest with you,” Graham said. “I have been challenging myself and getting out of my comfort zone. It is one thing to know what to do, but to actually do it takes a lot of discipline. So, when it comes to my habits outside of the ring like sleep, diets, and belief in myself, I'm stricter on all those things and it's given me more energy.”

As she prepares for her second Olympic appearance, Naomi Graham reflects on her journey with a sense of determination and purpose. She acknowledges the challenges ahead, recognizing that making it to the Olympics is an achievement, let alone making it a second time. Yet, she is more motivated than ever, armed with the knowledge and experience of her first Olympic journey. She knows what to expect, and this time, she's aiming not just for participation but for redemption and a place in history.

"It's really hard for people to make it one time,” Graham stated on possibility of making Olympics again. “So, it's even smaller chances of making it the second time, and for me, this is a second chance to redeem myself because now I know what to expect versus the first time."

As Graham prepares herself for Santiago and sets her sights on the history books of USA Boxing, we are reminded that greatness often emerges from those who dare to challenge the status quo. Naomi's quest for consecutive gold medals symbolizes her unwavering commitment to her sport and her country, underlining the values of humility and patriotism that define her character. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, even in the face of daunting odds, serves as an inspiration to all who dream big. With her second Olympic appearance on the horizon, Naomi Graham is poised not just for participation but for a legacy that will forever be etched into the annals of boxing history.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Growth of Boxing
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 29 Aug 2025
  • Toshihiko Era Retains WBF Asia Strap in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 29 Aug 2025
  • Boxlab Promotions Signs Rising Cuban Prospects Ronny Alvarez and Pedro Veitia
    , Fri, 29 Aug 2025
  • Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 29 Aug 2025
  • Vayson vies for WBA/WBO titles
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • Mexican "The Rock" Zamora, three-time female world champion with 20 world championship fights, retires
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • “I’M ONLY GETTING BETTER”: CONFIDENT PAT McCORMACK PLOTS HUGE HOMECOMING WIN OVER MIGUEL PARRA TO SPARK WORLD TITLE CHARGE
    , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • Heart of a Lion: 'Lucky Boy' Reymark Alicaba Earns Praise Despite Loss by Points in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • Dante Kirkman Looks to be the First Fighter to Stop Dylan Carlson
    , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • Shawn Darling Inducted into New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame
    , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • Arca wins 13th Mindanao Open chessfest
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • Carzano rules FIDE-Rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • Pythons-Primo wins 5 golds, 3 silvers, 2 bronzes in Kadayawan judo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 28 Aug 2025
  • Crawford to Be Stripped of WBA Title Once He Climb the Ring to Fight Canelo
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 27 Aug 2025
  • Sebastian Juarez Remains Undefeated with Captivating 4th Round TKO Over Louis Hernandez
    , Wed, 27 Aug 2025
  • Jajaira Gonzalez Prepared to Meet the Moment at 2025 World Boxing Championships
    , Wed, 27 Aug 2025
  • 2 Division & Former Unified World Champion Juan Francisco Estrada Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 27 Aug 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 AUGUST 2025
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 26 Aug 2025
  • Magpily rules PH National Women's Elimination - Luzon Leg
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 26 Aug 2025
  • Carlos De Leon Shines with 2nd Round TKO, Remains Undefeated on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 14
    , Tue, 26 Aug 2025
  • GM Daniel Quizon Wins 4th Edition Eduardo B. Basilonia Touchmove Open Invitational Rapid Chess Tournament; pockets P100,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 26 Aug 2025
  • Good Luck, Lucky Boy Reymark Alicaba!
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 25 Aug 2025
  • Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Released
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 25 Aug 2025
  • Mapua EE wins Bowling B Championship, IM Datu leads Mapua Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 25 Aug 2025
  • ALOYSIUS YAPP CLAIMS LONG-AWAITED US OPEN CROWN
    , Sun, 24 Aug 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.