Team USA Dominates at 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships, Bringing Home Historic Medals
by Luke Santangelo
The 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships, held in Pueblo, Colo. Concluded on Nov. 2, 2024. Team USA sent 11 boxers, six male and five females to World Boxing inaugural World Championships.
Team USA with little international experience went to Colorado and earned eight medals including three gold. Lorenzo Patricio (50 kg), Joseph Awinongya (75 kg), and Elijah Lugo (80 kg) dominated their weight classes and earned the first World Boxing gold medals and etched their name in the history books.
Awinongya dominant run in the World Boxing U19 Championships included and RSC(1) unanimous decision victory and a 4-1 split decision win in the gold medal round. As for Lugo, his gold medal was earned by an RSC(3), 3-2 split decision victory and a unanimous decision in the gold medal round. However the most impressive run was by Patriico. Patricio won the first round 4-0 and the semifinals and final on a unanimous decision earning his gold medal.
In addition to the gold medals, Emmanuel Chance (55 kg) and Rishon Sims (90 kg) earned silver, as they showcased their talents throughout the week and proudly represented the United States. Also, Shamiracle Hardaway (60 kg), Nevaeh Williams (65 kg), and Laila Zakirova (51 kg) all secured bronze medals, contributing to the overall medal tally and demonstrating the depth of talent on Team USA.
USA Boxing will be led by National Development coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Assisting Wigle will be three assistant coaches in Danilo Garcia (Oakland, Calif.), Edward Fonteneaux (Fayetteville, N.C.), and Blanca Gutierrez (Pacifica, Calif.).
TEAM USA World Boxing U19 Championship Medalist
Gold Medal
50 kg: Lorenzo Patricio, Waianae, Hawaii
75 kg: Joseph Awinongya, Joliet, Ill.
80 kg: Elijah Lugo, Marietta, Ga.
Silver Medal
55 kg: Emmanuel Chance, East Orange, N.J.
90 kg: Rishon Sims, Harrisburg, Pa.
Bronze Medal
51 kg: Laila Zakirova, Staten Island, N.Y.
60 kg: Shamiracle Hardaway, Lagrange, Ga.
65 kg: Nevaeh Williams, Cleveland, Ohio
TEAM USA World Boxing U19 Championship ROSTER
48 kg: Joscelyn Olayo-Munoz, Las Cruces, N.M.
50 kg: Lorenzo Patricio, Waianae, Hawaii
51 kg: Laila Zakirova, Staten Island, N.Y.
54 kg: Violet Lopez, Milwaukee, Wis.
55 kg: Emmanuel Chance, East Orange, N.J.
60 kg: Shamiracle Hardaway, Lagrange, Ga.
65 kg: Mesiah Nimo, Dallas, Texas
65 kg: Nevaeh Williams, Cleveland, Ohio
70 kg: Malachi Ross, Grandview, Mo.
75 kg: Joseph Awinongya, Joliet, Ill.
80 kg: Elijah Lugo, Marietta, Ga.
90 kg: Rishon Sims, Harrisburg, Pa.