To the average person, fighting and studying how to prevent fighting seem like contradictory actions. But for Baker University graduate student Mioshia Wagoner, these are part of a normal day.

Wagoner, a 27-year-old originating from New Mexico, manages her time between being one of the top women boxers in the world and working toward a Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution from Baker University. Known as “Yosh” to her acquaintances, Wagoner entered the boxing world about three years ago after attending Amateur Fight Night at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence.

“That night I got to watch one female towards the end fight and it was amazing,” she said. “Her name was Amanda and she kicked the other girl’s butt. From there, I wanted to be a boxer.”

In her short career, “Yosh” has only lost four boxing matches, two of which to the same woman – the Canadian world champion.

“She’s never grown up in a boxing atmosphere; she’s never been in that street fighting environment before like the stories of typical boxers,” Erik Riley, head coach of the Haskell Boxing Club, said. “She came in and thought it was really cool and picked it up really quick.”

“Yosh” has racked in one accomplishment after another, including a second place finish in the Ringside World Championships in 2008. She also placed first in the Native American Championship in 2007 and 2008 and collected a silver medal in the Women’s World Boxing Championship in 2008, which was held in China.

After facing fighters from Egypt and Romania, Yosh fell to the Chinese hometown favorite and ended as the No. 2 female in the world in her weight class.

“I think she was probably the biggest underdog of them all,” Darren Jacobs, Haskell Boxing Club assistant coach said. “They were all recognized fighters and here comes ‘Yosh’; she was really not so sure about herself but she did very well.”

Wagoner must balance her devotion and time toward boxing with school and working at the Cultural Center at Haskell. After receiving a degree in American Indian Studies from Haskell, she said one particular graduate degree program at Baker University leaped out at her: Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution.

“I’ve always wanted to help people and that’s why I have chosen my different degrees. I want to go home to the Navajo reservation and help my people and family and I think this will be a great thing to have,” she said.

Although “Yosh” has not fought in a competition since August, she said her concentration has been on training her offensive and defensive skills for future matches.

“Majority of the time in the Midwest it’s hard for me to get fights. Before the World Championships in August I was trying to get a fight and the coach of the other boxer wouldn’t let her compete against me,” she said with a laugh.

Jacobs said, “Yosh’s” dedication and strong work ethic make her a successful athlete and a well-rounded person.

“She’s just a great person, a really great girl,” Jacobs said. “She’s real likeable and personable and doesn’t have an attitude.”

While a successful boxer and competitor, “Yosh” said her aspirations for the future include returning to her Navajo and Chickasaw roots in New Mexico to take care of her family and inspire her two younger siblings.

"Having my education allows me to not worry about the little things in life, but rather enjoy them," she said. "I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to do yet, but I know it's something at home."<br/>