James Gentile
2026 U19 World Boxing Championships

James Gentile Excited to Make His Mark at World Boxing U19 Championships

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by USA Boxing

Team USA’s James Gentile started boxing with his brother to stay active, and now he will represent his country on the biggest stage next month.


His dad put the two of them in boxing when they were young, and what started as a way to stay busy quickly became much more. Gentile has now spent more than a decade in the sport, building his career at NYC Cops and Kids and learning from his coach, Aureliano Sosa.


The Staten Island, New York, native has already found success at the national level, winning the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships. He then earned a spot on USA Boxing’s Youth High Performance Team at 75 kilograms earlier this year, and quickly gained international experience at the World Boxing Futures Cup in Thailand, where he reached the round of 16.

(Photo by USA Boxing)

Throughout his career, Gentile has stayed motivated by the work he has put into boxing and the sacrifices that have come with it.


“Just knowing all the sacrifices and hard work I have put into the sport and proving to myself I can do whatever I work for, even if it doesn’t seem possible,” Gentile said.


Now, Gentile has accomplished a goal he has had for years. All the late nights and early mornings have prepared him for the biggest opportunity of his boxing career. The 75-kilogram boxer will represent Team USA at the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships in Budva, Montenegro.


“It is a great honor to represent Team USA,” stated Gentile. “This is the highest level of amateur boxing and to be on that stage means everything.”


After years of training, competing and making sacrifices, Gentile is ready to make the most of his opportunity. What started with his dad putting him and his brother in a boxing gym has turned into a lifelong passion and a chance to wear the Team USA uniform.“


"This is an opportunity of a lifetime to represent Team USA and a lifelong dream I have had,” stated Gentile. “Now to finally be here, I am very grateful and excited to perform in the World Championships representing Team USA.”


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.