World Boxing Cup Brazil Kicks Off in Foz do Iguaçu with Over 140 Athletes from 19 Nations

The first edition of the World Boxing Cup Brazil has officially begun in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, marking a historic milestone for the sport in the country. Hosted by the Confederação Brasileira de Boxe (CBBoxe), the competition brings together more than 140 elite athletes from 19 nations for six days of high-level boxing action.

The event, which runs from March 31 to April 5, 2025, serves as the opening stage of the 2025 World Boxing Olympic circuit and underscores boxing’s continued inclusion in the Olympic program, with Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon. Athletes are competing not only for medals but also for crucial ranking points that will shape their paths toward the next Olympic Games.

Brazil Fields a Balanced Squad of Experience and Youth

As host nation, Brazil has assembled a mixed team blending seasoned competitors with emerging talents. On the women’s side, the CBBoxe has selected athletes across eight weight classes: Radija Gama (48kg), Caroline Almeida (51kg), Tatiana Chagas (54kg), Jucielen Romeu (57kg), Rebeca Santos (60kg), Beatriz Soares (65kg), Queila Américo (70kg), and Viviane Pereira (75kg).

The men’s team features Michael Douglas Trindade (55kg), Luiz Gabriel Oliveira (60kg), Yuri Falcão (65kg), Cristiano Pereira (70kg), Kauê Belini (75kg), Wanderley Pereira (80kg), Isaias Filho (90kg), and Abner Teixeira (+90kg).

According to Marcos Brito, president of the Confederação Brasileira de Boxe, the goal is clear: to deliver a world-class experience although pursuing the nation’s first medals in the World Boxing Cup circuit.

“We are proud to host the first World Boxing Cup in Brazil. We want to provide an excellent experience for everyone involved and showcase top-level boxing. Our team combines experience and youth as we aim for our first medals in this Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.”

International Participation Highlights Global Reach

Beyond Brazil, 18 other countries have sent teams to Foz do Iguaçu, including traditional boxing powers such as the United States, France, Germany, and Great Britain. Additional nations represented include Argentina, Australia, Panama, Norway, Poland, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, Switzerland, Guatemala, India, Italy, Sweden, and Uzbekistan.

The competition is being held at the Rafain Palace Hotel & Convention Center, a venue previously used for national boxing championships since 2022. Its modern infrastructure and capacity to host large-scale events made it an ideal choice for the inaugural World Boxing Cup in Brazil.

World Boxing Cup: A New Path to Olympic Qualification

The World Boxing Cup series was launched as part of the effort to secure boxing’s future in the Olympic Games. By offering a structured global circuit with ranking points, the initiative aims to increase transparency, competitiveness, and athlete participation in the sport’s Olympic pathway.

Marcos Brito emphasized the broader significance of the event:

“This competition launches the 2025 World Boxing calendar and reaffirms our commitment to Olympic values. It’s a chance to prove that Olympic-style boxing has a strong future within World Boxing and to grant every athlete the best possible conditions to succeed.”

Looking Ahead

With live coverage drawing thousands of online viewers and national delegations arriving daily, the World Boxing Cup Brazil is setting a strong precedent for future editions. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect intense matchups, rising stars to emerge, and critical Olympic qualification implications to unfold.

For the latest updates, match schedules, and results, fans are encouraged to follow the official channels of the Confederação Brasileira de Boxe and World Boxing.