Key Takeaways
- USA Boxing’s Elite High Performance Squad captured four gold, five silver and four bronze medals, totaling 13 medals.
- Every one of the 13 athletes earned a podium finish, showcasing the squad’s depth.
- Standout performances came from Deborah Grant, Kendra Samargis, Moises Rodriguez and several other weight‑class competitors.
- Walkover victories and dominant unanimous decisions highlighted the team’s tactical superiority.
- The event was overseen by Coach Edward Fonteneaux and a supportive support staff, with full event details available on the USA Boxing website. Overall Medal Count
The United States concluded the 2026 Copa America with a historic haul of 13 medals, comprising four gold, five silver and four bronze. Every one of the 13 athletes entered the competition earned a podium finish, underscoring the depth of talent on the USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad. This medal distribution reflects a balanced effort across weight classes and gender divisions, positioning the United States as the most decorated nation at the tournament.
Women’s 57kg – Deborah Grant
Deborah Grant, a North Carolina native, entered the ring first for the American team on Monday and secured a flawless 5‑0 unanimous decision over Jackelin Galves. All three judges scored each round in Grant’s favor, granting her a perfect sweep. The victory awarded her a silver medal in the women’s 57‑kilogram division and marked her second international medal of 2026. Earlier that year she captured gold and the Best Female Boxer award at the Gee Bee Tournament in Helsinki, Finland, highlighting her rapid rise on the world stage.
Women’s 75kg – Kendra Samargis
Kendra Samargis, representing Idaho, followed Grant’s performance and posted a 4‑1 split decision win over a local opponent in the 75‑kilogram bracket. The judges gave her a 3‑0 advantage across the rounds, cementing an undefeated 3‑0 record throughout the tournament. Samargis’ dominant displays earned her the first international gold medal of her amateur career, underscoring the growing strength of the U.S. women’s team in higher weight classes.
Men’s 55kg – Moises Rodriguez
On the men’s side, Texas boxer Moises Rodriguez completed a perfect Copa America campaign by edging Michael Zabaleta 4‑1 in the 55‑kilogram final. Rodriguez had entered the tournament with a flawless 7‑0 slate, overcoming a five‑point deficit in the opening round before rallying to secure victory. His four unanimous‑decision wins, two 4‑1 split decisions and one walkover win illustrated both resilience and technical precision, culminating in his second international gold medal of 2026.
Men’s 60kg – Yahir Diaz‑Martinez
Yahir Diaz‑Martinez, fighting out of the 60‑kilogram division, posted a decisive 5‑0 unanimous decision victory over Gustavo Carrasco on Monday. The win improved his tournament record to 5‑2 and secured a silver medal for the United States. Diaz‑Martinez’s performance added to his growing résumé, marking his second international medal and demonstrating his ability to compete effectively against seasoned opponents throughout the Copa America.
Men’s 80kg – Tyric Trapp
Tyric Trapp, representing New Jersey, concluded his Copa America participation with a bronze medal after a 4‑1 split decision loss on Monday. Despite the defeat, Trapp finished the competition with a 5‑2 record, having accumulated several solid wins earlier in the draw. His bronze‑medal effort completed the U.S. medal tally for the men’s middle‑weight division and highlighted the consistency of the American squad across multiple weight classes. Walkover Victories and Additional Medalists
Two American athletes secured wins by walkover on Monday, further enriching the United States’ medal haul. In the 51‑kilogram division, Jennifer Lozano completed an unblemished run, capturing gold with a perfect 7‑0 record highlighted by three referee‑stoppage‑corner (RSC) victories and two unanimous decisions. Meanwhile, Alexis Proctor added a bronze medal to the tally after a three‑bout win streak that lifted her to 3‑2. Both performances illustrated the squad’s depth and capacity to capitalize on tactical advantages.
Other Squad Members and Their Records
Several additional boxers from the Elite High Performance Squad also medaled despite not competing on Monday. Jayshannet Zapata (54 kg) and Kentrell Rouser (70 kg) each earned bronze medals, marking the second international bronze for each athlete. Dustin Jimenez (65 kg), Malachi Georges (90 kg) and Nnajai Wright (90+ kg) collected silver medals; Jimenez finished 6‑1 with three unanimous wins and an RSC, Georges went 6‑1 with two RSC victories and a 5‑0 decision, while Wright posted a 6‑1 record highlighted by four 5‑0 unanimous decisions, securing his third international medal. Both Kabamba (90+ kg) and Rodriguez also medaled, with Kabamba’s gold marking his debut on the international stage.
Coaching Leadership and Event Logistics
The U.S. campaign was directed by National Development Coach Edward Fonteneaux of Fayetteville, North Carolina, whose strategic oversight was complemented by assistants Alex Love (Colorado Springs), Billy Rafalko (Philadelphia) and Jeffrey Nimo (Grand Prairie). In addition to competition results, USA Boxing provided broadcast links, daily bout sheets, and updated tournament information on its official website, allowing fans and stakeholders to follow the event in real time. These logistical efforts ensured a smooth experience for athletes, coaches and supporters alike. Significance and Future Outlook The 2026 Copa America results underscore the United States’ emerging dominance in international boxing across both men’s and women’s divisions. With a full complement of 13 medalists and multiple undefeated run‑aways, the squad demonstrates a promising pipeline of talent ready for upcoming world championships and Olympic qualifiers. Continued investment in development programs and the proven coaching framework positions USA Boxing to sustain this momentum, aiming for even greater achievements on the global stage in the coming years.