COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 12, 2026) – The USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team is traveling to Budva, Montenegro, for the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships. Team USA is sending 15 boxers to Montenegro, including eight men and seven women. For the full roster, see below.

The 12-day competition will run from October 16 to 27 and will be held inside the Mediterranean Sports Venue. Team USA enters the tournament following a strong performance at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup in Thailand, where the team earned four gold medals, one silver medal, and four bronze medals. Nine members of the Youth High Performance Team earned medals in Thailand, led by gold medalists Guadalupe Ruiz (women’s 54 kg | Anaheim, Calif.), Christian Paez (men’s 55 kg | San Antonio, Texas), Brijhana Epperson (women’s 57 kg | Kansas City, Mo.) and Lauryn Elmore (women’s 65 kg | Sacramento, Calif.).

Asaan Jenkins (men’s 65 kg | Washington, D.C.), Caleb Reid (men’s 90+ kg | Palm Bay, Fla.), Marley McNealy (women’s 70 kg | San Francisco, Calif.) and Ariana Chavez (women’s 75 kg | Rio Rancho, N.M.) also each earned bronze.

Now, USA Boxing will turn its attention to the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships, which will give Team USA another opportunity to compete internationally and build on the experience gained in Thailand.

The USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team is led by National Development Coach Stephen Grand (Nashville, Tenn.), who is supported by High Performance Pool coaches Holly Gregson (Idaho Falls, Idaho), Jason Hamilton (Spanaway, Wash.), and Ronald Wright (Columbus, Ga.).

Additional tournament information, including brackets, bout sheets, results, and updates, will be available at the event page, HERE.

2026 World Boxing U19 Championships | USA Boxing Men's Roster:

Refugio Veloz (50 kg | Atwater, Calif.)

Christian Paez (55 kg | San Antonio, Texas)

David Arrieta (60 kg | Kansas City, Mo.)

Asaan Jenkins (65 kg | Washington, D.C.)

Asante Lamar (70 kg | Cincinnati, Ohio)

James Gentile (75 kg | Staten Island, N.Y.)

Hadi Almashhadi (80 kg | Taylor, Mich.) Caleb Reid (90+ kg | Palm Bay, Fla.)

2026 World Boxing U19 Championships | USA Boxing Women’s Roster:

Ciana Nonhphala (48 kg | Providence, R.I.)

Ruby Lopez (51 kg | Napa, Calif.)

Guadalupe Ruiz (54 kg | Anaheim, Calif.)

Brijhana Epperson (57 kg | Kansas City, Mo.)

Lauryn Elmore (65 kg | Sacramento, Calif.)

Marley McNealy (70 kg | San Francisco, Calif.)

Ariana Chavez (75 kg | Rio Rancho, N.M.)

INFORMATION:

Website:           www.usaboxing.org

Instagram:        @USABoxing

X:                     @USABoxing

Facebook:        #USABoxing

About USA Boxing

USA Boxing was established to promote and grow Olympic-style boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Luke Santamgelo, lsantangelo@usaboxing.org, 719.866.2322, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, USA Boxing