Key Takeaways
- USA Boxing’s Elite High Performance Squad posted a 7‑2 record on a dominant day, raising its tournament tally to 41‑7.
- Five American fighters secured unanimous decision victories, while two earned walkovers and one finished by referee stoppage.
- Rising stars Jennifer Lozano, Kendra Samargis, and Malachi Georges each improved their international records with strong performances.
- Several competitors, including Dustin Jimenez and Kentrell Rouser, will rest on Friday but remain undefeated or near‑perfect.
- Upcoming Friday action features seven U.S. boxers, coached by Edward Fonteneaux with a supportive staff of Alex Love, Billy Rafalko, and Jeffrey Nimo.
- All results, bout sheets, and live‑stream links will be posted on the USA Boxing website for continued coverage.
USA Boxing Elite Squad Dominates Day Seven with Seven Wins
On a high‑energy day at the 2026 Copa America, USA Boxing’s Elite High Performance Squad delivered a spectacular seven‑win performance, pushing its overall record to 41‑7. The team posted a 7‑2 slate, highlighted by stellar outings across multiple weight classes. Fighters demonstrated discipline, speed, and resilience, turning the competition into a showcase of American talent. Each bout contributed to the squad’s momentum, setting the stage for a competitive weekend ahead. The United States now sits atop the leaderboard, poised to extend its dominance in the tournament.
Lozano Leads With Unanimous Decision Victory
Jennifer Lozano entered the ring first and delivered a commanding 5‑0 unanimous decision over Gina Alvarez in the 51‑kilogram division. From the opening bell, Lozano dictated the pace, landing clean, measurable punches while maintaining flawless defense. The victory lifted her competition record to 4‑0, with three wins recorded via RSC (referee stoppage). Lozano will return to action on Friday, May 22, facing Leidy Rivas in Bout 8 at approximately 4:45 p.m. ET. Her undefeated streak underscores her rising status within the U.S. roster.
Samargis Claims First International Win
Kendra Samargis earned her inaugural international victory byoutclassing Daniela Pachon in a 5‑0 unanimous decision at 75 kilograms. Samargis controlled every round, highlighted by an eight‑count in the second round that underscored her power and precision. The win marked her first appearance in Colombia and improved her record to 1‑0 on the tour. She will enjoy a well‑earned day off on Friday before resuming competition later in the tournament. Her dominant performance signals a promising future on the world stage.
Rodriguez Extends Perfect Record
Moises Rodriguez continued his flawless run with a crisp 5‑0 unanimous decision over Carlos Hurtado at 55 kilograms. This triumph marked Rodriguez’s third consecutive 5‑0 victory at the event, extending his unbeaten streak to 4‑0 in Colombia and 6‑0 internationally. The victory reinforced his reputation as a technical maestro who consistently out‑boxes opponents. Rodriguez will sit out Friday’s action but is scheduled to return to the ring later this weekend, much to the anticipation of fans. His undefeated record remains a cornerstone of the U.S. campaign.
Diaz‑Martinez Pulls Off Close 3‑2 Victory
Yahir Diaz‑Martinez secured the USA’s fourth win of the day in a tightly contested 3‑2 victory over Disney Ezequiel Medina. The bout showcased Diaz‑Martinez’s grit and tactical acumen, as he edged out his opponent despite a narrow scoring margin. The win elevated his Copa America record to 3‑1 and marked his fourth international triumph. He will have Friday off before re‑entering competition later in the weekend. Diaz‑Martinez’s ability to win by a slim margin demonstrates resilience under pressure.
Georges Departs With RSC Finish Malachi Georges closed out the day with a dominant third‑round referee‑stoppage victory over Juan Mausa at 90 kilograms. The New Jersey native improved his Copa America record to 4‑1, including two wins by RSC, underscoring his growing power and confidence. Georges is slated to return to action on Friday in Bout 27 at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET against Alfonso Blanco, offering fans a highly anticipated matchup. His decisive finish added momentum to the U.S. team’s overall success.
Walkover Victories for Jimenez and Rouser
Dustin Jimenez and Kentrell Rouser each collected crucial wins by walkover on Thursday, maintaining flawless and near‑perfect records respectively. Jimenez now stands at 5‑0, while Rouser improved to 4‑1, both benefiting from their opponents’ inability to compete. Both athletes will observe Friday as a rest day, preserving their conditioning for upcoming bouts. Their capacity to secure victories without throwing a punch highlights the depth of talent within the squad. The walkovers also reflect strategic scheduling decisions by event organizers. Zapata and Trapp Face Defeats
Jayshannet Zapata (54 kilograms) and Tyric Trapp (80 kilograms) represented the United States on Thursday but fell short in three‑round Olympic‑style contests. Zapata lost 4‑1 to Estefani Almanza, while Trapp was outperformed 4‑1 by Noel Pacheco. Despite the setbacks, Zapata is scheduled to face Jennifer Quintero in Bout 10 at approximately 5:15 p.m. ET on Friday, while Trapp will enjoy a day off to regroup. Their performances illustrate the competitive balance of the tournament and the determination to bounce back.
Friday Lineup and Coaching Staff Details Looking ahead to Friday, USA Boxing will field seven athletes, including Deborah Grant (57 kg), Alexis Proctor (60 kg), Gilbert Kabamba (90+ kg), and Nnajai Wright (90+ kg). The U.S. contingent will be guided by National Development Coach Edward Fonteneaux of Fayetteville, North Carolina, supported by assistant coaches Alex Love (Colorado Springs), Billy Rafalko (Philadelphia), and Jeffrey Nimo (Grand Prairie). This experienced staff continues to refine strategy and maximize athlete potential throughout the competition. Their collaborative approach has been instrumental in the squad’s impressive early results.
Next Steps and Event Coverage
All forthcoming results, detailed bout sheets, live‑stream links, and tournament updates will be uploaded to the USA Boxing website’s dedicated 2026 Copa America event page. Fans and followers can access real‑time scores, athlete bios, and behind‑the‑scenes content to stay fully informed. Continuous coverage ensures that supporters worldwide can track the progress of America’s rising boxers as they chase championship glory. With each bout, the United States reinforces its commitment to excellence on the international stage.