2023 Pan American Games: Ten breakout stars in boxing to watch at Paris 2024
The Santiago 2023 Pan American Games unearthed several new boxing stars who caused several shocks across the weight divisions. Here are our top 10 breakout athletes to watch out for at Paris 2024.
Boxing
The 2023 Pan American Games boxing tournament lived up to all the pre-event hype.
In the men’s divisions, Cuban Olympic gold medallists Julio César la Cruz and Arlen Lopez put on a show to add another title to their impressive resumes.
Meanwhile, Brazil medalled in every single women’s category, headlined by two-time world champion Beatriz Ferreira.
The 2022 world gold medallist Tammara Thibeault also showed that she is still the boxer to beat in the women’s 75 kg, with a comfortable final win.
However, many new talents were also unearthed in Santiago’s Olympic Training Centre, and they look set to become stars of the sport.
Below, we take a closer look at 10 breakout boxers from Santiago 2023 to keep an eye on at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Jennifer Lozano (R) on her way to an opening win in the women's 50kg boxing competition at the 2023 Pan American Games
Jennifer Lozano - USA
The United States failed to win a women’s boxing gold or silver medal for the first time at Tokyo 2020, but there is a new wave of talent in the country that could change that at Paris 2024. At the top of the list is Texas “Troublemaker” Lozano, who lived up to her name in the ring, combining technical prowess with her inner strength to win the women’s 50 kg silver medal. The 20-year-old, who first tried the sport after being bullied, will be Laredo’s first Olympian.
Ashleyann Lozada - Puerto Rico
Motta became the first Puerto Rican woman’s boxer ever to obtain an Olympic quota, when she won the women’s 57 kg quarter-final. She lost a thrilling split decision in the semi-finals, but will only improve with big tournament experience. Despite being 32-years-old, she boasts exceptional footwork and slick, counterpunching style that is sure to entertain the crowds at Paris 2024.
Jucielen Romeu - Brazil
Romeu’s first continental victory in the women’s 57 kg division in Santiago demonstrates how much she has improved as a boxer since crashing out in the Round of 16 at Tokyo 2020. The 27-year-old scores seemingly at will with her precision jab and lightning hand speed, which was on show for all to see as she shut out highly-rated Colombian Valeria Arboleda Mendoza by unanimous decision in the Pan American Games final.
Valeria Arboleda - Colombia
At just 21-years-old, Mendoza shocked the 57 kg field in Santiago with her technical ability to make the final against Romeu. Her thrilling split decision win over Ashleyann Lozada in the semis was particularly telling of the Bogota native’s versatility, surviving a fight that turned into a slugfest to show that she can win many ways.
Jajaira Gonzalez - USA
Ten years after winning the 2014 Youth Olympic title, Gonzalez will return to the Olympic stage at Paris 2024. It has been an amazing journey for the 60 kg boxer, who quit for four years in 2018. But Gonzalez returned with a new mindset, having discovered how to channel her anger in a positive direction, and no one in this weight division will be taking the big puncher lightly.
Wyatt Sanford - Canada
The Canadian didn’t enter the Pan American Games with a significant reputation, but leaves with a 63.5 kg continental title and all eyes now upon him at Paris 2024. Sanford, 24, deployed his powerful combinations and relentless forward momentum to seal unanimous points decisions in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.
Yunior Alcantara - Dominican Republic
Despite making his international debut just one year ago, Alcantara commanded respect from the off in Santiago, beating the likes of Mexican Oscar Castañeda and world silver medallist Roscoe Hill of the USA en route to 51 kg glory. With agility and speed aplenty, Alcantara is box office whenever he steps into the ring.
Joshua Edwards - USA
At six-foot-three, Joshua Edwards may be undersized for a men’s +92 kg boxer, but he more than makes up for this with his unbelievable speed. After failing to make the plane for Tokyo 2020, the now 23-year-old returned as a more mature and multidimensional boxer. His best performance en route to gold in Santiago was a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Cuba’s Fernando Arzola in the semis. Edwards will be the first Houston super heavyweight since George Foreman to qualify in the Olympics.
Marco Alonso Verde - Mexico
Nothing exemplifies Alonso’s spirit and boxing style more than his victorious 71 kg final win over Ecuador’s Jose Tenorio. The Mexican is perhaps less slick than some of his fellow winners, but he is an all-out attacker, who moves forward aggressively on every occasion. He also boxes with heart. Despite being knocked down by Tenorio in the first round, Alonso rebounded to outslug his rival and secure yet another 5-0 unanimous win.
Saidel Horta - Cuba
It’s amazing to think that Horta almost quit boxing in 2021 after becoming disillusioned with the sport. But two years later, the 21-year-old lit up the Pan American Games with his fancy footwork and explosive combinations, beating much fancied Dominican José Luis de los Santos en route to 57 kg silver. Armed with a new love for the sport, Horta is being touted as the future of Cuban boxing.