Nate Schwinghammer Finds His Passion in Boxing After Transition from Football

BEMIDJI — On May 11, Nate Schwinghammer stepped into the ring for one of the most significant bouts of his boxing journey. Just four years prior, he could not have imagined being in this position. In 2022, Schwinghammer was a freshman at Bemidji State, playing defensive end on the football team, while seeking a new hobby outside of football.

It was during this search that Schwinghammer discovered the Bemidji Boxing Club, where he encountered familiar faces, including former Bemidji High School resource officer Joe Lorenzi. With a background in wrestling, combat sports felt like a natural extension for him. "I just started boxing because I thought it would be fun," Schwinghammer explained. His passion for mixed martial arts, often shared with his father, drove him to explore boxing as a competitive outlet.

After a serious back injury prompted him to reconsider his football aspirations, boxing emerged as a fulfilling alternative. Not only did he enjoy the sport, but Schwinghammer quickly excelled, winning the 2026 Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Championship against rivals from Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This victory led him to the prestigious Golden Gloves of America National Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he faced John Purnell from Washington, D.C., in the opening round at 198 pounds. Although Schwinghammer fought valiantly, he lost to Purnell, who advanced to the semifinals.

Despite the setback, Schwinghammer cherished the opportunity to connect with fellow athletes and meet boxing legends like Teofimo Lopez and Christy Martin, the subject of a recent film. However, his most memorable moment in the ring occurred just a month earlier, when he claimed victory at the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Championship in Waite Park, marking a significant milestone in his boxing career.

At 22 years old, Schwinghammer thrives on competition, expressing his desire to excel in every endeavor. Boxing has filled the gap left by his football career, giving him a renewed sense of purpose. "It just gives you something to work for," he noted. After shedding weight from his former 275 pounds as a defensive end, he now competes in the 198-pound division, even losing six pounds during a single fight.

His first boxing tournament brought its share of nerves, particularly when facing Eduardo Cardona, a seasoned fighter with over 50 matches. Despite losing the first round, Schwinghammer rallied to win in the subsequent rounds, earning a genuine leather championship belt as a testament to his efforts.

With a career record now standing at 11-3 following his national competition loss, Schwinghammer is determined to return to the national stage next year. After graduating from BSU, he hopes to pursue a career in project management within the construction industry, but his boxing journey is far from over. "I just really liked it after my first time," he reflected. "It was awesome. I just stuck with it and kept boxing, and probably will for the rest of my life, to be honest."