Team USA Secures Four More in the Medal Round

Team USA picked up four victories Monday evening as all boxers advanced to the medal round and secured at least a bronze medal at the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships.

Lorenzo Patricio (Waianae, Hawaii) started things off for Team USA in the 50 kg weight class in the first bout of the day. Patricio earned a 4-0 win over Seiya Nakayam out of Japan. Patricio now faces Rishi Singh from India on October 30. The winner of this will advance to the finals to go head-to-head with either Mohamed Al Manouchi from Germany or Thomas Varey out of England.

Following Patricio was two dominating performances by Joseph Awinongya (Joliet, Ill., Ill.) and Elijah Lugo (Marietta, Ga.). Awinongya won on a RSC in the first round, as he was too strong and powerful for Connor Anerson from Australia and recieved three eight-counts causing the ref to end the bout.

As for Lugo, taking a round to measure out his opponent, he came back swinging with force in the second round and ended the bout due to the referee stopping the contest. Lugo landing multiple over the head shots and powerful blows to the Italian, Cristian Sarsilli, gave the ref no option but to stop the fight.

Awinongya and Lugo will both box in the medal round on October 30 with hopes of a similar result and to punch their tickets to the finals.

Rishon Sims (Harrisburg, Pa.) ended things for USA on a thrilling victory over Eris Andi Lushtaku out of Germany. Sims won on a split 3-2 split decision and move on to the medal round. The American boxer has his eyes on gold and is just two wins away. He will face Noveki Tomokino from Australia on October 30.

Violet Lopez (Milwaukee, Wis.) and Malachi Ross(Grandview, Mo.)  also competed today but fell short and were eliminated from the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships.

Ticket pricing for the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships begins at $10 for a single-day pass or $50 for an all-week pass. Fans can also purchase tickets exclusively for Saturday's finals at the price of $25.

USA Boxing will be led by National Development coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Assisting Wigle will be three assistant coaches in Danilo Garcia (Oakland, Calif.), Edward Fonteneaux (Fayetteville, N.C.), and Blanca Gutierrez (Pacifica, Calif.).