Nikki Burleson Named USA Boxing National High Performance Coach

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Aug. 4, 2026)– Nikki Burleson (Oklahoma City, Okla.) has been named the USA Boxing National High Peformance Coach, effective immediately, USA Boxing announced on Tuesday.  

“We're thrilled to have Nikki on our coaching team,” Billy Walsh, the USA Boxing National Team Head Coach, stated. “She brings a tremendous amount of experience and high-performance expertise that will strengthen our program as we prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. I know she'll make a positive impact on our athletes, and we're looking forward to having her on this journey”

Burleson is one of Team USA’s dedicated boxing coaches and also serves as the owner and head coach of Rival Boxing Gym in Oklahoma City. She took over the gym in 2014 and has led the program for more than a decade, while leading six boxers to USA Boxing national titles.

While continuing to lead Rival Boxing Gym, the Oklahoma City native joined USA Boxing’s High Performance program in 2025 as High Performance pool coach. Since joining the program, she has traveled with Team USA to multiple international competitions, including the 2025 World Boxing Championships.

Burleson plays a key role on Head Coach Billy Walsh's coaching staff. Her being named as USA Boxing's National High Performance Coach marked a historic milestone, making her the first full-time female National Boxing Coach in Team USA history.

“Being named the first female National Boxing Coach for USA Boxing is both an incredible honor and a responsibility that I don't take lightly,” stated Burleson. “I hope this achievement inspires the next generation of women to see that leadership opportunities in our sport are possible and earned through hard work and dedication. As we build toward LA28, our goal is to develop a team that competes with confidence and consistency on the world stage. We want to create an environment where every athlete has the opportunity to reach their full potential and compete for Olympic medals.”

She has helped lead Team USA to 12 medals in 2026, including two gold medals. Burleson and USA Boxing’s High Performance Team's next international competition is this October, when USA Boxing will compete at the 2026 Elite PanAmerican Boxing Championships.

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!