FOZ DO IGUAÇU, Brazil — Team USA opened its campaign at the World Boxing Cup – Stage 1 with a statement victory on Monday as team captain Salim Ellis-Bey delivered a dominant performance to headline the opening day in Brazil.
Competing at the Rafain Palace Hotel & Convention Center, Ellis-Bey, fighting at 60 kilograms, secured a unanimous 5-0 decision victory over Hungary’s Kruzító Kovács, giving the United States its first win of the tournament.
The Philadelphia native took control early, winning the opening round 4-1, before sweeping the final two rounds 5-0, including three 10-8 scorecards in the closing round to seal one of Team USA’s most impressive performances of the opening session.
With the win, Ellis-Bey advances to the Round of 16, where he is set to face Ireland’s Jude Gallagher on Wednesday.
Tough Opening Day for Team USA Elsewhere
While Ellis-Bey gave the Stars and Stripes an early highlight, the rest of Monday proved challenging for Team USA.
At 90 kilograms, Malachi Georges dropped a competitive 4-1 split decision to Spain’s Enmanuel Reyes Pla.
At 80 kilograms, Tyric Trapp fell by 5-0 decision against Venezuela’s Diego Andres Pereyra Mejia.
Meanwhile, Naomi Graham was scheduled to compete at 75 kilograms, but her bout was ruled a walkover loss.
Big Tuesday Ahead for Team USA
Team USA returns with a packed schedule on Tuesday, featuring five key bouts.
One of the most anticipated matchups features Alyssa Mendoza, a Paris 2024 Olympian, who faces Ireland’s Michaela Walsh in a highly anticipated rematch from the Strandja Tournament.
Other Americans set to compete include:
- Lorenzo Patricio vs. Othman Chadghour (55kg)
- Marie-Angelis Rosendo vs. Sema Çaliskan (65kg)
- Marcus Luther vs. Yazin Salah Aldeen Alia (65kg)
- Kelvin Watts vs. Enzo Gallardo (90+kg)
Tuesday’s schedule could prove pivotal as Team USA looks to build momentum and accumulate critical World Boxing ranking points.
Why This Event Matters
The World Boxing Cup – Brazil 2026 is the first ranking event of the year and has attracted nearly 400 boxers from 50 nations, making it one of the largest amateur boxing tournaments on the calendar.
For Team USA, strong performances here could play a major role in shaping the road toward future international championships and Olympic qualification cycles.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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