Key Takeaways
- Team USA will field an eight‑boxer contingent (four men, four women) at the Capri Boxing Cup in Italy on July 25.
- The dual meets Italy’s finest, featuring 2024 Paris Olympians, 2021 World Champion Robby “Rahim” Gonzales, and a mix of medalists from recent international tournaments.
- Competition kicks off at 4 p.m. ET with Jennifer Lozano versus Sara Calvani in the 51‑kg division.
- Coaches Zaur Antia, Jay Nimo, and Stephen Grand will guide the U.S. squad; fans can watch live on RaiPlay.
- Each bout pairs a U.S. athlete against a specific Italian opponent, many of whom have strong international résumés, allowing the Americans to test form against familiar foes from recent World Cups and Cups.
Overview of the Capri Boxing Cup Dual
The Capri Boxing Cup this weekend brings together elite boxers from the United States and Italy in a highly anticipated dual competition. The event, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, will commence at 4 p.m. Eastern Time and showcase eight American pugilists representing a blend of seasoned Olympians and emerging talent. United States National Technical Coach Zaur Antia, together with assistant coaches Jay Nimo and Stephen Grand, will oversee the team’s preparation and strategy. Fans worldwide can stream every round live on RaiPlay, ensuring broad exposure for the athletes and the sport.
Opening Bout: Lozano vs. Calvani in the 51‑kg Division
The opening match will pit 2024 Paris Olympian Jennifer Lozano against Italy’s Sara Calvani in the women’s 51‑kilogram weight class. Lozano, hailing from Laredo, Texas, arrives on the Italian stage after an unbeaten 7‑0 run that earned her a gold medal at the 2026 Copa America. Her dominant performance there cemented her status as a rising star in the sport. The bout is slated to begin at roughly 4:15 p.m. ET, giving viewers an immediate glimpse of Team USA’s readiness.
Men’s 60‑kg Showdown: Diaz‑Martinez vs. Baldassi
Following Lozano’s appearance, Yahir Diaz‑Martinez will step into the ring to face Michele Baldassi. Diaz‑Martinez, a member of the USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad and a native of Winter Park, Florida, has already tasted success on the international circuit, securing bronze and silver medals at two events earlier this year. His opponent, Baldassi, brings considerable experience, having represented Italy in multiple 2026 World Boxing Cup stops across Brazil and China. This clash promises a tactical exchange of styles between a promising American up‑and‑comer and a seasoned Italian veteran.
Women’s 60‑kg Clash: Gonzalez vs. Tosadori
Returning to competition after a period of injury recovery, 2024 Paris Olympian Jajaira Gonzalez is scheduled to meet Stella Tosadori in the women’s 60‑kilogram division. Gonzalez, originally from Glendora, California, captured a bronze medal at the 2025 World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix before stepping back from the sport to heal. Her comeback marks a significant milestone, and her performance against Tosadori will be closely watched as an indicator of her readiness for future international tournaments.
Men’s 65‑kg and Women’s 75‑kg Pairings
Two more Elite High Performance Squad athletes are set to compete later in the dual. Dustin Jimenez, a New York native, will square off against Giacomo Giannotti in the men’s 65‑kg class, while Kendra Samargis, representing Twin Falls, Idaho, will take on Melissa Gemini in the women’s 75‑kg division. Both matches will test the athletes’ capacity to translate training camp intensity into competitive bouts against Italian counterparts who have also earned spots on their national teams through rigorous qualification processes.
Men’s 80‑kg Encounter: Gonzales vs. Commey
The penultimate American bout will feature Robby “Rahim” Gonzales, the 2021 World Championships gold medalist, in the men’s 80‑kilogram weight class against Alfred Commey. After an injury sidelined him at the Strandja Boxing Tournament in Bulgaria, Gonzales is making a much‑anticipated return to the ring. His opponent, Commey, is a seasoned Italian boxer with a solid international pedigree, making this encounter a potential showcase of resilience and comeback prowess.
Women’s 57‑kg Duel: Mendoza vs. Testa
Closing the penultimate segment of the dual, 2024 Paris Olympian Alyssa Mendoza will face two‑time Olympian and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Irma Testa. Competing in the women’s 57‑kg division, Mendoza brings a recent bronze medal from the 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament and a gold medal earned in 2025 to the canvas. The matchup pits two Olympians against each other, promising a high‑stakes exchange that could further cement Mendoza’s standing on the world stage.
Final Bout: Georges vs. Nwokedi in the 90‑kg Division
The dual will culminate with 2026 Copa America silver medalist Malachi Georges taking on Chimé Dean Nwokedi in the men’s 90‑kilogram class. Georges, a New Jersey native, earned a silver medal at the 2026 Copa America and a bronze at the World Boxing Cup in Brazil. His opponent, Nwokedi, captured a bronze medal at the World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2026, ensuring that the final bout will feature two athletes with strong international credentials.
Coaching Staff and Audience Access
Throughout the Capri Boxing Cup, Team USA will be guided by National Technical Coach Zaur Antia, who will be supported by Elite High Performance assistant coaches Jay Nimo and Stephen Grand. Their collective expertise aims to fine‑tune strategy, optimize conditioning, and respond dynamically to the flow of each match. For viewers eager to follow the action, all eight American boxers can be streamed live on the Italian broadcaster RaiPlay, allowing global audiences to experience the excitement in real time.
Conclusion and Anticipation
In sum, the Capri Boxing Cup presents a compelling showcase of talent, resilience, and international camaraderie as the United States prepares to test its rising stars against a formidable Italian squad. From the opening bell with Jennifer Lozano to the final showdown featuring Malachi Georges, each bout is imbued with narrative significance—whether it is a comeback from injury, a return to competition for an Olympian, or a clash of recent medalists. The event not only underscores the depth of the American boxing program but also offers fans a unique opportunity to witness high‑level competition on an international stage. As the athletes step onto the Italian canvas, the eyes of the boxing world will be fixed on the dynamic interplay of skill, strategy, and spirit that defines this eagerly awaited dual.