The United States delivered a standout performance at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok, Thailand, finishing the tournament with four gold medals and nine medals overall. The event, an Under-19 competition, is part of the qualification pathway toward the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 and showcases the next generation of Olympic-style boxers.
Guadalupe Ruiz claimed gold in the women’s 54 kg division after defeating India’s Joyshree Devi Chirom by a 4-1 split decision in the final. Ruiz completed an impressive run at her first international tournament with five victories, including two RSC stoppages and two unanimous decisions before securing the gold medal.
Christian Paez followed with a gold medal in the men’s 55 kg category, defeating Japan’s Ryusei Kitamura by a 3-2 split decision. Paez began the final strongly, winning the opening round unanimously before holding on for victory, capping a tournament that included six wins overall.
Brijhana Epperson dominated the women’s 57 kg final, earning a unanimous decision victory over Ukraine’s Yevanhelina Petruk. Epperson won every round on all judges’ scorecards to secure her first international gold medal.
Team captain Lauryn Elmore added the fourth gold for the United States with a 4-1 split decision victory over Uzbekistan’s Sevara Mamatova in the women’s 65 kg division. Angel Blancarte collected a silver medal in the men’s 85 kg category, while bronze medals went to Marley McNealy (women’s 70 kg), Ariana Chavez (women’s 75 kg), Asaan Jenkins (men’s 65 kg), and Caleb Reid (men’s 90+ kg).
Image Credit: USA Boxing