The USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team has journeyed to Budva, Montenegro, poised to compete in the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships. This formidable squad, comprising eight men and seven women, will engage in the 12-day international tournament set to commence on 2026-10-16 and conclude on October 27, all within the Mediterranean Sports Venue.
Team USA arrives in Montenegro with significant momentum, fresh off a strong showing at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup in Thailand earlier this year. There, the team secured an impressive haul of nine medals, including four gold, one silver, and four bronze, setting a high bar for their performance on the global stage.
Team USA’s roster and medal hopes with Development Coach Stephen Grand
Fifteen dedicated boxers represent the United States at the prestigious 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships. This contingent features several standout athletes who have already proven their mettle in prior international competitions, establishing themselves as key contenders.
The men’s team includes Refugio Veloz (50 kg) from Atwater, Calif., and Christian Paez (55 kg) of San Antonio, Texas, who secured a gold medal at the Futures Cup. David Arrieta (60 kg, Kansas City, Mo.), Asaan Jenkins (65 kg, Washington, D.C.), and Asante Lamar (70 kg, Cincinnati, Ohio) round out a strong middleweight presence.
James Gentile (75 kg, Staten Island, N.Y.), Hadi Almashhadi (80 kg, Taylor, Mich.), and Caleb Reid (90+ kg, Palm Bay, Fla.), who also earned bronze in Thailand, complete the male lineup.
On the women’s side, the team boasts Ciana Nonhphala (48 kg) from Providence, R.I., and Ruby Lopez (51 kg) of Napa, Calif. Gold medalists Guadalupe Ruiz (54 kg, Anaheim, Calif.), Brijhana Epperson (57 kg, Kansas City, Mo.), and Lauryn Elmore (65 kg, Sacramento, Calif.) are expected to lead the charge.
Marley McNealy (70 kg, San Francisco, Calif.) and Ariana Chavez (75 kg, Rio Rancho, N.M.), both bronze medalists at the Futures Cup, underscore the team’s depth and potential.
Coaching staff guides elite youth boxers
Leading the USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team is National Development Coach Stephen Grand, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee. Grand, who assumed this pivotal role on September 16, 2026, is instrumental in shaping the next generation of American boxing talent. His coaching philosophy emphasizes developing “smart, adaptable, fundamentally responsible, multi-phase attack boxers” from the grassroots to elite levels.
Grand brings a wealth of experience to the team, including over seven years in coaching and a prior year as a Pool Coach with USA Boxing High Performance. He is also the owner and head coach of Music City Boxing Gym, known for producing top-tier amateur and professional fighters. His expertise is crucial for the team’s performance at the October 2026 boxing schedule of events.
Supporting Coach Grand are High Performance Pool coaches Holly Gregson (Idaho Falls, Idaho), Jason Hamilton (Spanaway, Wash.), and Ronald Wright (Columbus, Ga.). This experienced coaching ensemble plays a vital role in refining the skills and strategies of these young athletes as they prepare for the rigors of international competition. Their combined knowledge will be key to navigating the tournament’s challenges.
World Boxing’s vision for U19 championships
The 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships marks the second edition of this significant event, organized by World Boxing. This not-for-profit international sports federation was established on April 13, 2023, with a clear mission: to safeguard boxing’s Olympic future and prioritize the interests of its athletes. Its formation came in direct response to persistent governance and integrity concerns surrounding the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally recognized World Boxing as the official governing body for Olympic boxing on February 26, 2025. This recognition was a crucial step towards ensuring boxing’s inclusion in future Olympic Games, starting potentially with the 2028 Summer Olympics. World Boxing aims to provide a stable and ethical platform for the sport globally.
The inaugural U19 World Boxing Championships took place in Pueblo, Colorado, USA, from October 24 to November 3, 2024. That event saw more than 180 boxers from 30 national federations compete across various weight categories. Team USA delivered a strong performance, securing eight medals, including three gold, and finishing third in the overall medal table, setting a precedent for current youth teams.
Budva as a rising international boxing hub
Budva, Montenegro, provides a fitting backdrop for the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships. The coastal city has increasingly cemented its reputation as a preferred host for international boxing events. This selection highlights Budva’s growing infrastructure and its commitment to fostering the sport at a global level.
The Mediterranean Sports Venue, the designated site for the competition, has previously welcomed major tournaments. In October 2022, Budva hosted the EUBC European Women’s Boxing Championships, drawing 154 boxers from 30 nations. Additionally, Montenegro organized the IBA World Youth Championships in Budva from October 23 to November 3, 2024, demonstrating its capacity for successful event management and athlete accommodation.
Hosting the U19 World Boxing Championships is a significant feather in Montenegro’s cap, particularly for the Boxing Association of Montenegro. They actively aim to establish Budva as a central hub for Olympic boxing in the region. Such high-profile events not only boost local tourism but also inspire national athletes and provide invaluable exposure to the international boxing community.
This aligns with World Boxing’s core mission to ensure ethical practices. That principle was established following the governance issues surrounding the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Team USA’s path forward and broader implications
The 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships represents a crucial step in the development pathway for these young American boxers. Competing against peers from across the globe provides invaluable experience, honing their skills and mental fortitude under pressure. This international exposure is vital for aspiring Olympians, offering a taste of the elite competition they will face at higher levels.
The performance in Montenegro will offer key insights into the effectiveness of USA Boxing’s High Performance development programs. Success here can validate current strategies and identify areas for further investment, aligning with USA Boxing’s overarching mission to develop athletes who can achieve sustained competitive excellence on the Olympic stage.
It’s about building a pipeline of talent that can one day emulate boxing legends like Muhammad Ali.
Beyond the individual medals, the team’s participation underscores USA Boxing’s commitment to international collaboration and adherence to World Boxing’s new governance standards. As the sport continues to evolve globally, ensuring ethical practices and athlete welfare remains paramount. The championships serve as a platform to demonstrate these values and reinforce the positive trajectory of boxing’s future under new leadership.
The 12-day event will also allow the coaching staff to assess individual boxer progress and identify specific areas for improvement. Every bout provides a learning opportunity, contributing to the long-term growth of each athlete. This holistic approach to development is critical for transforming promising youth boxers into elite competitors capable of contending for Olympic glory.
Fans and stakeholders can follow the tournament closely. Additional information, including updated brackets, bout sheets, and real-time results, will be accessible via the official event page. Furthermore, the entire competition will be broadcast live on WorldBoxing.TV, ensuring that enthusiasts worldwide can witness the rising stars of international boxing.
