Native America Calling: Native bare-knuckle boxers fight for recognition in the ring

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Native America Calling

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Native America Calling: Native bare-knuckle boxers fight for recognition in the ring

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

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Gloves off: Native bare-knuckle boxers fight for recognition in the ring

For decades, Leo “Bushido” Bercier (Ojibwe) balanced a full-time job and a family as he worked to make a name for himself as a professional fighter.

Now, he’s hoping the controversial sport of bare-knuckle boxing will afford new opportunities. Along the way he’s helping other amateur fighters in Great Falls, Montana.

Similarly, across the country, Joshua Oxendine (Lumbee) is lining up bouts while also teaching traditional boxing at a gym he owns with his wife outside Charlotte, North Carolina. Tune into Native America Calling to speak with both fighters about their passion for the sport that was banned for more than a century.

Also, get perspectives on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Rosebud. Chief Crazy Horse and Lakota and Cheyenne warriors successfully turned back the U.S. Army column led by Gen. George Crook, cutting off the re-enforcements heading to the fateful Battle of Greasy Grass eight days later.

Guests on Native America Calling

Leo Bercier (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), boxer and owner of Bushido Fight Series in Montana

Josh Oxendine (Lumbee), boxer, MMA fighter, and owner of Oxfitness in North Carolina

Wilma Bearshield-Robertson (Sicangu Lakota), historian, elder, and artisan

Leo Killsback (Northern Cheyenne), professor at the University of Arizona and author