Yesterday, USA Boxing added four shining stars to their Paris 2024 Olympic lineup during the thrilling semi-finals of the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games. Additionally, two bronze medals found their home with Team USA.
Kicking things off with flair, 2021 World Champion Jahmal Harvey (Oxon Hill, Md.) secured his Parisian dreams after an outstanding victory over Brazil’s Gabriel Oliveira. While it was their fifth fight, both having two wins each under their belts, Harvey turned the tables with a decisive victory. He dominated the first two rounds, even causing Oliveira to take a standing eight count in the final moments of the second round. While Oliveira tried to rally back in the third, the momentum was with Harvey, who said, “It’s such a huge moment for me. Now, it’s time to chase gold at the Pan American Games and then the Olympics. I’ve conquered the World Championships; the trifecta awaits!”
Flying high, flyweight Jennifer Lozano (Laredo, Texas) became Laredo’s shining star and first-ever Olympian. She showcased her skill and might against Canada’s McKenzie Wright, delivering precise punches throughout. By the end, an ecstatic Lozano exclaimed, “Paris, here we come! This is for Laredo, Texas. We’re prepped and primed for the world stage at the Olympics. Being Laredo’s first Olympian? That’s something special.”
Team USA’s winning streak didn’t waver as Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio) powered through with her win against Charlie Cavanagh of Canada, the 2022 Elite World Championships silver medalist. Her solid performance had the referee handing Cavanagh a standing eight count in the second round. With eyes sparkling, McCane shared, “I’ll be rocking in Paris. Representing Cleveland’s rich boxing heritage and being its first female boxer at the Olympics feels surreal!”
Closing the day with a bang was super heavyweight Joshua Edwards (Houston, Texas). He faced a tough challenge against Cuba’s Fernando Arzola Lopez. It was a battle of wits and strength, with Edwards showcasing his grit and determination, especially in the deciding round. The bout ended with Edwards holding back tears, “I’m truly speechless about heading to Paris. I’ve poured everything into this. Can’t wait to bring this energy to the Olympics!”
These fantastic four will grace the ring again in Friday’s gold medal fights. You can catch all the excitement with the full schedule and livestream information linked [here].
Also, in a respectable display, Jajaira Gonzalez (Glendora, Calif.) and Roscoe Hill (Spring, Texas) bagged bronze medals. Gonzalez, with her stellar performance in Santiago, will also be joining her teammates on the road to Paris.
Day 8 Recap:
- 50 kg: Jennifer Lozano, Laredo, Texas/USA won against McKenzie Wright/CAN, 5-0
- 51 kg: Yunior Reyes/DOM defeated Roscoe Hill, Spring, Texas/USA, 4-1 – took bronze
- 57 kg: Jahmal Harvey, Oxon Hill, Md./USA bested Gabriel Oliveira/BRA, 5-0
- 60 kg: Beatriz Ferreira/BRA won against Jajaira Gonzalez, Glendora, Calif./USA, 4-1 – took bronze
- 66 kg: Morelle McCane, Cleveland, Ohio/USA stood victorious over Charlie Cavanagh/CAN, 5-0
- 92+kg: Joshua Edwards, Houston, Texas/USA reigned over Fernando Arzola Lopez/CUB, 5-0