2026 U19 World Boxing Championships
Ariana Chavez

USA Boxing's Ariana Chavez Is Proving It’s Never Too Late to Chase a Dream

Share:

by USA Boxing

Ariana Chavez spent eight years competing in swimming before deciding to try boxing at 14 years old. What started as something she had always wanted to do quickly turned into a new passion, and just a few years after beginning her boxing career in 2023, she has already won three national championships and earned international experience.


Now, the Rio Rancho, New Mexico, native is preparing to represent Team USA at the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships in Budva, Montenegro. She is coming off a 2026 World Boxing Future’s Cup bronze medal run and is looking to show the world who she is.


Chavez credits her parents as her biggest role models and the people who have shown her what can happen when you continue to work hard toward something.


“My parents are my role models,” stated Chavez. “They inspire me because they are the direct result of how working hard can achieve greatness.”

(Photo by USA Boxing)

Now, Chavez represents Team USA on USA Boxing’s Youth High Performance Team, paving the way for younger boxers to believe that anything is possible. When Chavez joined Team USA, she had just seven fights under her belt. Instead of seeing that as something that would hold her back, she used it as another reason to keep working.


“Even though I only had seven fights when coming on Team USA, I could still make it because of the countless hours of work I’ve put in during the two years I’ve been boxing,” stated Chavez.


Now, Chavez gets the opportunity to show what all of that work has led to. Competing at the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships is another step in a journey that started later than most, but has moved quickly.


“It proves to me that anything is possible,” stated Chavez. "And I’m here to show the world who Ariana Chavez is.”


With Team USA on her back and the world watching, Chavez has one goal in Budva. Win gold.


The 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships will take place in Budva, Montenegro, from October 14-28. For more information on the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships, please click HERE.

(Photo by USA Boxing)