MALACHI ROSS THE 13-TIME NATIONAL BOXING CHAMPION GRADUATES FROM GRANDVIEW HIGH, FACES CAREER DILEMMA

Grandview’s most famous amateur boxer, Malachi Ross, graduated high school in May, 2024. After turning 18, he must decide what to do after Grandview High School.
Malachi says he won’t make “that” big boxing career choice about going pro soon. Instead, Malachi has been focused on the Team USA Youth Camp at Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Centre from April 28th to May 12th. Micah, Malachi’s trainer, said his son is performing well at the top amateur boxing camp. It gives the younger Ross a chance to train and compete against the nation’s best before graduating high school. His journey so far has been spectacular.
The 13-time national champion is 110-10. Winner of four USA National Championships, three Silver Glove National Championships, and three National Junior Olympics Championships. He was named Outstanding Youth at the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards, Spectrum Sports Athlete of the Week, and Kansas City Golden Gloves 2023 Best Male Boxer.
Malachi and Micah at the Jose Moreno Jr. Boxing Club in Overland Park in April. Despite not wearing amateur boxing gear, the two men sparred. Malachi rings out his “sweatbelt” regularly during these two-hour exercises, spilling water over the ring. To simulate a left-handed fighter’s approach to his son, his father boxed as a southpaw throughout training.

The younger Ross fought at 145 pounds two years ago. He was growing and learning while ranking first nationally at that weight. As a 6-foot-1 Malachi feels comfortable at 156 pounds.
“I’m actually trying to get down to 154, but that means more discipline,” Malachi added. “You must avoid fried foods, sweets, and bread.”
This implies the champ may hang around with graduating peers who eat fast food while he eats other stuff.
Consider Olympic gold.
He and his father have contemplated becoming pro, but he still wants to make the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I still want to capture an Olympic gold medal,” Malachi added. “I may turn pro next year.”
Micah said his son is currently the top amateur boxer at 156 lb. (71 kg) after competition wins since December. He imagines his son competing internationally at the Youth World Championships in Germany in October. Malachi may also graduate from Transformed Barber & Cosmetology Academy this year.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE AT THE PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

“I feel like I’ve already cut half the school’s hair,” Malachi added.
Much of his students recognises his shears and clippers skills as well as his in-ring skills. Malachi and his father turned the basement into a hair salon for classmates. His barbershop venture has its own Instagram feed, apart from his boxing one. He works with most customers in 20–30 minutes, cycling kids in and out.
He earns up to $30 styling and cleaning men’s hair. (His female clientele is expanding.) He’ll even travel town with his talents.
“They know they have to pay extra if they want me to come to them,” Malachi added. “I choose ‘clients’ that I want to work with.”
Malachi is willing to attend a 9-month barbering academy. This summer may be the time to explore that world. For now, the champ merely wants to see his peers and possibly a potential foe in San Diego. He knows many of their names and faces from researching their battles online, but he’s excited to see their intricate fighting methods in person.
“I know I’ll miss home and friends a bit, but there’s going to be a lot of new competition and new faces,” Ross said. “They keep you busy with three workouts a day.”
No word on whether Ross is bringing shears and clippers to California to pick up new clientele.
The Leo Moreno Jr. Boxing Club-sponsored “Under the Bridge” Friday Fight Nights, host Ross’s local amateur bout on May 31. Fight occurs under the I-35 bridge at Southwest Blvd. and 2130 Jefferson St.