The U.S. Olympic boxing team is gearing up for the Paris 2024 Games with the goal of breaking a 20-year gold medal drought on the men’s side. The last American man to win gold was Andre Ward at the 2004 Athens Games. Since then, no U.S. boxer has claimed the top prize.
Jahmal Harvey, a 21-year-old featherweight, is seen as the country’s best chance to end this streak. Harvey, who started boxing after a background in football, will begin his Olympic journey on July 31 against Brazil’s Luiz Gabriel Oliveira. Harvey’s aim is to revive interest and excitement in U.S. boxing, inspiring future generations.
Before heading to Paris, the team received motivation from Claressa Shields, the only American boxer to win Olympic gold since Ward. Shields, who achieved this in 2012 and 2016, emphasized the importance of self-belief and giving their all in each fight.
The U.S. boxing team features eight talented athletes:
Men:
– Jahmal Harvey (Featherweight, 125 pounds): A top contender who has won gold at the amateur World Championships.
– Joshua Edwards (Super Heavyweight, 203+ pounds): The first super heavyweight Olympian from Houston since George Foreman. Edwards will debut against Italy’s Diego Lenzi on July 29.
– Omari Jones (Welterweight, 156 pounds): A versatile fighter who transitioned from karate to boxing and is currently enrolled in college.
– Roscoe Hill (Flyweight, 112 pounds): The oldest member of the team, who secured his spot at the Olympic World Qualifier in Bangkok.
Women:
– Jennifer Lozano (Flyweight, 110 pounds): The first Olympic boxer from Laredo, Texas, Lozano began boxing to combat bullying.
– Morelle McCane (Welterweight, 146 pounds): From Cleveland, McCane has two National Golden Gloves gold medals and overcame personal tragedy to reach the Olympics.
– Jajaira Gonzalez (Lightweight, 132 pounds): After a brief hiatus for mental health, Gonzalez returned to qualify for the Games with a bronze medal at the Pan American Games.
– Alyssa Mendoza (Featherweight, 125 pounds): At 20, Mendoza is the youngest member of the team and is coached by her father. She aims to make a mark for Idaho in boxing.
As the competition begins, all eyes will be on these athletes as they strive to bring gold back to the United States.
