The USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad began its campaign for gold at the 2026 Copa America on May 17, 2026, in Girardot, Colombia. National Development Coach Edward Fonteneaux leads a 13-person delegation consisting of eight male and five female boxers to the Coliseo Centenario. The tournament, organized by the Colombian Boxing Federation (FECOLBOX), runs through May 25 and utilizes a unique round-robin format where every athlete faces every other competitor in their respective weight class.
This tournament serves as a critical testing ground for the American roster following a successful European tour. The squad arrives in South America bolstered by a strong showing at the 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament in Helsinki, Finland, where they secured eight medals. That haul included three gold and one silver, signaling a high level of preparedness for the rigorous nine-day schedule awaiting them in Colombia.
The 2026 Copa America format differs from standard single-elimination brackets. Because each boxer must compete against everyone in their weight division, the gold medal is awarded to the individual with the best overall record at the end of the event. This structure demands physical durability and tactical consistency, as a single loss does not necessarily eliminate a fighter from title contention but places a premium on every round scored.
USA Boxing roster for the 2026 Copa America
The American delegation features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, including 2024 Paris Olympian Jennifer Lozano. The roster is deep with recent medalists from international circuits, many of whom are looking to build upon their successes in Finland earlier this year. The skill level within this group suggests they will be among the most dangerous boxers in the amateur ranks this season.
The following athletes are representing the United States in Girardot:
- Jennifer Lozano (51 kg): A 2024 Paris Olympian and cornerstone of the women’s flyweight division.
- Jayshannet Zapata (54 kg): Current silver medalist from the 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament.
- Deborah Grant (57 kg): Gold medalist and recipient of the Best Female Boxer Award at the 2026 GeeBee Tournament.
- Alexis Proctor (65 kg): Bronze medalist at the recent 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament.
- Kendra Samargis (75 kg): Making her highly anticipated international debut in Colombia.
- Moises Rodriguez (55 kg): Coming off a gold-medal performance at the 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament.
- Yahir Diaz-Martinez (60 kg): Bronze medalist at the 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament.
- Dustin Jimenez (65 kg): Bronze medalist at the 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament.
- Kentrell Rouser (70 kg): Bronze medalist at the 2026 GeeBee Boxing Tournament.
- Tyric Trapp (80 kg): Winner of the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships.
- Malachi Georges (90 kg): Silver medalist at the 2025 World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem.
- Gilbert Kabamba (90+ kg): Competing in the crucial super-heavyweight division.
- Nnajai Wright (90+ kg): A decorated heavyweight with gold medals from the 2025 Brandenburg Cup, 2025 Nationals, and 2026 GeeBee Tournament.
Coaching staff and tactical preparations
Coach Edward Fonteneaux is supported by a specialized team of assistant coaches to handle the high volume of matches required by the round-robin format. The staff includes Alex Love from Colorado Springs, Billy Rafalko from Philadelphia, and Jeffrey Nimo from Grand Prairie. Their collective experience is vital in managing recovery times and weight maintenance across the nine-day window of the competition.
Success in Girardot often serves as a barometer for the women’s boxing rankings and provides a platform for male prospects to transition toward professional consideration. The presence of Nnajai Wright, a two-time international gold medalist, gives the U.S. a significant edge in the heavier divisions where American amateur boxing has historically sought more depth.
The technical demands of the Copa America require the athletes to adapt quickly to different styles. Since they face every opponent in the bracket, they cannot rely on a single strategy. They must remain versatile, switching between aggressive pressure and counter-punching as the matchups dictate throughout the week.
The significance of the Colombian tournament
For many of these boxers, the Copa America is more than just another medal opportunity; it is a chance to prove they can withstand the “Olympic-style” grind. The Coliseo Centenario has a reputation for being a vocal and intense environment, testing the mental fortitude of younger fighters like Kendra Samargis. Handling the pressure of a hostile crowd is viewed as essential training for future major championships.
This tournament also allows the coaching staff to evaluate how the squad performs under the fatigue of consecutive fight days. Unlike some professional paths where fighters might take a patient path to titles, these amateurs must be ready to deliver maximum effort multiple times within a single week. The data gathered here will likely influence selection for the next phase of the High Performance program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the 2026 Copa America boxing tournament?
The tournament uses a round-robin format where every boxer in a weight class fights every other boxer in that same class. The athlete with the best win-loss record at the conclusion of all bouts is awarded the gold medal, rather than using a traditional single-elimination bracket.
Who are the standout athletes on the USA Boxing roster for this event?
The squad is headlined by 2024 Olympian Jennifer Lozano and multi-time international gold medalist Nnajai Wright. Other key competitors include Deborah Grant, who recently won the Best Female Boxer award in Finland, and silver medalist Jayshannet Zapata.
Where and when is the competition taking place?
The 2026 Copa America is being held at the Coliseo Centenario in Girardot, Colombia. The competition officially began on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude with the final rankings on Monday, May 25, 2026.
