USA Boxing Elite Squad Targets Gold at 2026 Copa America in Colombia
The USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad is set to begin its pursuit of international dominance this week as it travels to Girardot, Colombia, for the 2026 Copa America. Following a highly successful run in Europe, the American contingent arrives in South America with high expectations and a roster brimming with medal-winning talent.
The tournament, which officially begins on Sunday, May 17 and concludes on Monday, May 25, will take place at the Coliseo Centenario. For the American squad, this marks their second major international assignment of the year, following a dominant performance at the 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament in Helsinki, Finland.
A Unique Competitive Format
Unlike traditional single-elimination brackets, the 2026 Copa America utilizes a unique round-robin structure. Each boxer in a given weight class will face every other competitor in their bracket once. After nine days of Olympic-style boxing, the athlete with the best record in their respective bracket will be crowned the gold medalist.
This format places a premium on consistency and endurance, requiring athletes to maintain peak performance throughout the duration of the tournament to secure the top spot in their divisions.
The USA Roster: 13 Boxers Aiming for the Podium
USA Boxing will be represented by a diverse squad of 13 athletes, consisting of eight men and five women. The team enters the competition with significant momentum, having earned eight medals at their previous international event in Helsinki, including three gold medals and one silver.
Leading the Men’s Team
The men’s side is headlined by standout performers who have already proven their ability on the world stage:
- Nnajai Wright (90+ Kilograms): A two-time international gold medalist, Wright is a Richmond native who has maintained a dominant trajectory since his international debut in July 2025.
- Moises Rodriguez (55 Kilograms): The Texas native secured his first international gold medal in Helsinki following two unanimous decision victories.
- Other Key Competitors: The men’s roster also includes Yahir Diaz-Martinez (60kg), Dustin Jimenez (65kg), Kentrell Rouser (70kg), Tyric Trapp (80kg), Malachi Georges (90kg), and Gilbert Kabamba (90+kg).
Women’s Team Standouts
The women’s squad features seasoned Olympians and rising stars looking to build on recent championship successes:
- Jennifer Lozano (51 Kilograms): The 2024 Paris Olympian returns to the ring to lead the women’s charge.
- Jayshannet Zapata (54 Kilograms): A silver medalist from the 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament.
- Deborah Grant (57 Kilograms): Grant returns to competition after a stellar performance in Helsinki, where she secured both a gold medal and the Best Female Boxer Award.
- Additional Members: The squad is rounded out by Jennifer Lozano, Jayshannet Zapata, and Deborah Grant.
Day One: High-Stakes Matchups to Watch
The tournament kicks off with intense action, as 11 of the 13 American boxers are scheduled to compete on the opening day. Fans should keep a close eye on the following scheduled bouts:
| Time (ET) | Athlete | Weight Class | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~2:45 p.m. | Jennifer Lozano | 51 kg | Sara Torres |
| ~4:15 p.m. | Jayshannet Zapata | 54 kg | Yindi Peńa |
| ~4:30 p.m. | Deborah Grant | 57 kg | Genesis De La Rosa |
Key Takeaways for the 2026 Copa America
- Location: Coliseo Centenario, Girardot, Colombia.
- Duration: May 17 through May 25, 2026.
- Format: Round-robin; best record in the bracket wins gold.
- US Presence: 13 total boxers (8 men, 5 women).
As the tournament progresses, the USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad will look to translate their recent success in Finland into a dominant showing in Colombia, further establishing their presence in the international boxing community.