PBC Boxers Secure Podium Finishes at World Boxing U19 Futures Cup

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Panamerican Boxing Confederation (PBC) has solidified its presence on the world stage as the 2026 World Boxing U19 Futures Cup in Bangkok heads into its final championship sessions. Following a day of high-stakes Semifinal action, several athletes from the United States have punched their tickets to the Finals.

Semifinal Recap: PBC Triumph (March 14)

The semifinal rounds featured high-stakes matchups as our regional contenders faced the world's top youth talent:

United States Victories:

• Guadalupe Ruiz (USA) advanced to the Women's 54kg Final with a commanding 5:0 unanimous decision over England.

• Brijhana Epperson (USA) secured her spot in the Women's 57kg Final with a powerful RSC victory over Kazakhstan.

• Christian Paez (USA) won a tactical 4:1 split decision against fellow PBC competitor Jonathan Bibriesca (MEX) to reach the Men's 55kg Final.

• Lauryn Elmore (USA) advanced to the Women's 65kg Final following an RSC win over Morocco.

• Angel Blancarte Velazquez (USA) earned his place in the Men's 85kg Final with a gritty 3:2 split decision victory over Kazakhstan.

Several athletes demonstrated great heart but fell short in their semifinal bouts, including Sofia Ramirez (MEX) at Female 54kg, Marley McNealy (USA) at Female 70kg, Ariana Chavez (USA) at Female 75kg, and Asaan Jenkins (USA) at Male 65kg.

Preview: March 15

The tournament reaches its peak tonight March 15, as our finalists compete for world titles across two championship sessions:

Session 15:

Starts at 11:00 AM ICT/local time March 15 | 1:00 AM BRT March 15 | 12:00 AM AST March 15 | 11:00 PM EST March 14 | 10:00 PM CST March 14 | 9:00 PM MST March 14 | 8:00 PM PST March 14

• Bout 417 (Final, Women's 54kg): Guadalupe Ruiz (USA) vs. Joyshree Devi Chirom (IND).

• Bout 422 (Final, Men's 55kg): Christian Paez (USA) vs. Ryusei Kitamura (JPN).

Session 16:

Starts at 3:30 PM ICT/local time March 15 | 5:30 AM BRT March 15 | 4:30 AM AST March 15 | 3:30 AM EST March 15 | 2:30 AM CST March 15 | 1:30 AM MST March 15 | 12:30 AM PST March 15

• Bout 427 (Final, Women's 57kg): Brijhana Epperson (USA) vs. Yevanhelina Petruk (UKR).

• Bout 428 (Final, Women's 65kg): Lauryn Elmore (USA) vs. Sevara Mamatova (UZB).

• Bout 434 (Final, Men's 85kg): Angel Blancarte Velazquez (USA) vs. Sardorbek Bakhromkhujaev (UZB).
  

Follow the Action: Fans can watch the live stream of today's sessions on the Thailand Boxing Association YouTube Channel.

Results, Bout Sheets, and Updated Brackets can be found on the page of our partner, Xempower.

About Panamerican Boxing Confederation (PBC):

Panamerican Boxing Confederation is the governing body for amateur and Olympic-style boxing in the Americas, dedicated to the development, governance, and promotion of the sport across its member National Federations.

Media contact: communication@panamericanboxing.org