Team USA Wins Four Bouts at U19 Boxing Championships
American youth boxers secured multiple victories at the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships in Budva, Montenegro.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Boxing
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The USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team achieved four wins at the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships on October 19. The successful bouts featured victories by Guadalupe Ruiz, Asante Lamar, David Arrieta, and James Gentile.
Why it matters
These performances highlight the development and international competitiveness of the American youth boxing program on the global stage. Advancing through these championship brackets is a critical milestone for the young athletes as they look toward higher levels of competition.
Guadalupe Ruiz maintains an undefeated 6-0 international record following a 3-2 victory in the 54-kilogram class. Other winners included 70-kilogram fighter Asante Lamar, 60-kilogram fighter David Arrieta, and 75-kilogram fighter James Gentile.
The players
Guadalupe Ruiz
She is a member of the USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team who holds an undefeated 6-0 international record.
Asante Lamar
He is an American youth boxer who advanced to the Round of 16 in the 70-kilogram weight class.
David Arrieta
He is a competitor on the U.S. team who earned his first career international victory at this tournament.
James Gentile
He is an American athlete who recorded a stoppage victory in the third round of his 75-kilogram bout.
The details
Guadalupe Ruiz rallied after losing the first round 4-1 to defeat Kristina Borisenko by a 3-2 decision, while James Gentile stopped Valo Valo in the third round. Asante Lamar and David Arrieta both secured their wins by unanimous 5-0 decisions in their respective weight classes.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Team USA won four bouts at the championships.
October 20, 2026: Four American boxers are scheduled to compete.
October 22, 2026: Asante Lamar will face Noah Collier.
Season Trajectory
These victories signal a positive momentum shift for the American team as they navigate the bracket in Montenegro. Strong performances by these youth athletes expand the pipeline of talent available for future national and Olympic team consideration.
Guadalupe Ruiz has officially advanced to face Rosie Swailes in the upcoming quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Asante Lamar has successfully secured his position in the Round of 16.
The takeaway
The performance of these young athletes demonstrates the depth of the current American youth boxing program. Continued success in these championships serves as a critical indicator for the future development of these competitors in the international ring.
What happens next
Four additional American boxers are scheduled to compete in championship bouts on October 20, 2026. Following his recent win, Asante Lamar is set to face Noah Collier on October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the tournament progress and athlete achievements, visit USA Boxing.
More information
View the full bracket and schedule on the USA Boxing tournament information page.
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