These Kid Boxers’ Before-And-After Faces Are Wildly Real And Totally Captivating
Hey, ever wonder what kids look like right before and after their first big boxing match? No? Well, now you do! Danish photographer Nicolai Howalt snapped some seriously cool portraits that show exactly that – the whole rollercoaster of feelings on their faces. Let’s check out these epic transformations!
This post may include affiliate links.
Nicolai Howalt started this project after thinking back to his own first time stepping in the boxing ring at 13. He remembered all the nerves, excitement, and that weird mix of bravery and doubt. So, he decided to take photos of hundreds of kids right before and after their first fight to catch those lightning-fast emotional flips.
First called Boxer, then reworked as 78 Boxers, this project zooms in on all those tiny moments when a kid’s about to step into the ring…and the moment after it’s all over. You see pure fear, guts, innocence, and new confidence all rolled into one.
This series blew up because it nails what it's like growing up and facing challenges head-on. It’s not just about boxing, it’s about growing pains, bravery, and that messy jump from kid to something a little more grown-up. Seriously, these portraits hit you right in the feels.

0
0