She is part of national Uganda boxing team now. However, the biggest challenges for the female boxers are actually outside of boxing ring. The ministry of education only supports few boxers that have been selected for the national team and the local clubs receive no government funding. Boxing is a way of hope and an opportunity for better life outside the slum. What he wanted to show was the atmosphere and environment. If you have ever visited a boxing gym or gym in general you realize this is not a gym you are used to.

When we look at the composition we can see a wide area thanks to the 24 mm lens which covers the gym as well as the side street next to the gym with the kids. The kids are a nice element in the photograph not only as they balance the dark world of the adults but also with their hand gestures from the composition standpoint. John Pedersen said he wanted to show her lonely fight for her future. One of the key elements is definitely the punch thrown into the punching bag with a dollar sign. That was what made the photo for John. When I asked him what would he change in the composition if he could, he said that the only things that annoys him are the legs of the person standing behind the bag. But on the other hand it also makes the picture more vivid.

I think the Boxing in Katanga is a beautiful photo that teaches us that if you want to do something no obstacles are big enough. Moreen fight for survival and she hopes that one day she will be able get her and the kids out of the slum.