Robby “Rahim” Gonzales (Las Vegas, Nev.) picked up right where Team USA left off yesterday with his own unanimous decision victory over Eldric Sella of the Boxing Refugee Team during the second day of boxing in Busto Arsizio, Italy.

Gonzales, who won gold at the 2021 Elite World Championships, came out strong in the opening round against the 2020 Olympian Sella, using his jab and quickness to jump to a 5-0 start.

The American light heavyweight continued the momentum during the first few seconds of the second round, landing a strong overhand to continue to control the pace. However, Sella landed a clean shot to bring Gonzales to a quick knockdown and a standing eight-count.

Gonzales did not let the eight-count falter his confidence, as he came back strong, landing numerous combinations and body shots before the referee called an eight-count against Sella in the closing thirty seconds of the round.

Up on all five judges' cards heading into the final round, Gonzales sealed the decision as he continued to use his speed and multiple-punch combinations to overwhelm Sella and secure the unanimous decision.

“A few months ago, I lost the first day of the Pan American Games, and it took a lot of sacrifices and a lot of mental toughness for this fight,” stated Gonzales after his victory. “I got dropped in the second round, and I had to overcome that adversity and come back, but my whole career has had obstacles, so I am ready to get the job done. I am ready to get my golden ticket.”

Gonzales will return to the ring on Friday, facing Andrej Csemez of Slovakia, the 2019 European Games bronze medalist.

Two more Americans, Emilio Garcia (Laredo, Texas) and Omari Jones (Orlando, Fla.), will take to the ring tomorrow evening during the day's third session.

Team USA is represented by eight boxers in Italy who hope to punch their ticket to this summer’s 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The team is being guided by USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.), along with National Resident Coach Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), as well as National Development Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.), along with assistant coaches Adonis Frazier (Minneapolis, Minn.) and Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas).

Over 600 boxers from 113 nations are competing in the tournament, hoping to grab one of the 49 quota places available for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Click here to stay updated on Team USA’s journey in Busto Arsizio, including athlete stories, daily schedule, livestream and more.

Day 2 Results

80 kg: Robby Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev./USA, dec. over Eldric Sella/BRT, 5-0

Day 3 Schedule

63.5 kg: Emilio Garcia, Laredo, Texas/USA, vs. Ahmad Shtiwi/ISR

71 kg: Omari Jones, Orlando, Fla./USA, vs. Aliaksandr Radzionau/ INA

Gonzales picks up first win at 2024 Olympic World Qualifier Tournament

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