Several of the country's top boxers are preparing to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris and the boxing team for Team USA consists of four men and four women, all in their 20s and first-time Olympians. The majority of the team members qualified at the October 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, followed by the Boxing Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, in March 2024, and a second qualifying tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this month. With a total of 117 boxing medals, including 50 golds, the United States aims to increase its impressive medal count.
Roscoe Hill: Men’s Flyweight
At 29 years old, Roscoe Hill, who hails from Spring, Texas, brings a strong boxing pedigree to Team USA. His father trained alongside Olympian George Foreman and boxing legend Archie Moore. Hill has made a name for himself by winning silver at the 2021 World Championships and bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games. He aims to leave his mark in Paris, drawing inspiration from boxing greats like Foreman, Muhammad Ali, and Floyd Mayweather while maintaining his unique style.
Jahmal Harvey: Men’s Featherweight
Jahmal Harvey, 21, from Oxon Hill, Maryland, made a successful transition from football to boxing and rapidly climbed the ranks. He achieved gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and the 2021 Elite World Championships, ending a 14-year gold medal drought for U.S. men. Harvey's competitive nature is the driving force behind his success, and he enjoys participating in various competitive activities, including sports and chess. His football coach, who established a boxing gym, played a crucial role in Harvey's boxing journey.
Omari Jones: Men’s Welterweight
Orlando-based Omari Jones, 21, earned his spot in the Olympics at the Busto Arsizio tournament. Jones has won several international events, including the 2022 USA Boxing International Invitational. Despite the challenges of juggling boxing with his business studies at Valencia College, Jones is determined to succeed both in and out of the ring, drawing inspiration from his family's educational accomplishments.
Joshua Edwards: Men’s Heavyweight
Houston native Joshua Edwards, who stands six-foot-three and weighs 200 pounds, utilizes both defense and speed to dominate in the ring. Edwards earned his spot in the Olympics by securing a gold medal at the 2023 Pan-American Games, making him the first super heavyweight boxer from Houston to qualify for the Olympics since George Foreman. Edwards achieved a third-place finish at the 2022 A.M.B.C. Elite Championships and claimed first place at the 2021 USA Boxing Elite National Championships.
Jennifer Lozano: Women’s Flyweight
Jennifer Lozano, 21, from Laredo, Texas, aims to make a strong impression in Paris. Known as “La Traviesa” for her childhood recklessness, Lozano turned to boxing to defend herself from bullies. Overcoming cultural barriers, she found a coach who believed in her, leading to a silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games. Lozano is the first Laredo resident to make the U.S. Team, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Alyssa Mendoza: Women’s Featherweight
At 20, Alyssa Mendoza is the youngest member of Team USA’s boxing squad. Hailing from Caldwell, Idaho, she made history by becoming the first Olympic boxer from her state. Trained by her father, Mendoza has a stellar track record, including first-place finishes at the 2022 USA Boxing Elite National Championships and the 2022 National Golden Gloves. Her faith in God and strong work ethic drive her journey to the Paris Olympics, where she aims to shine.
Jajaira Gonzalez: Women’s Lightweight
Jajaira Gonzalez, 27, from Glendora, California, is making her Olympic debut after multiple setbacks. A former teen prodigy, Gonzalez won bronze at the 2023 Pan-American Games and gold at the Junior World Championships, Youth World Championships, and 2014 Youth Olympics. After a four-year hiatus for mental health and the pandemic, Gonzalez is back with a renewed focus and determination to make the most of her second chance at Olympic glory.
Morelle McCane: Women’s Welterweight
Morelle McCane, 29, from Cleveland, Ohio, is the eldest member of the team. Nicknamed "Big Blessed," McCane qualified for the Olympics after winning silver at the Pan-American Games. Overcoming a challenging upbringing, including time in foster care, McCane draws inspiration from her family. She aims to make a significant impact in Paris, being the first woman boxer from Cleveland to reach the Olympics.
Image Credit: USA Boxing