Team USA dominated day two of the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025, securing seven wins in nine bouts on Thursday. Two Team USA competitors secured their first international medals, while four veterans secured their first international wins of 2025 during Thursday's action. Rene Camacho (men's 65 kg) and Malachi Georges were standouts during Thursday's competition. Both boxers earned unanimous decisions in the quarterfinals, securing their spots in the medal round and their first international medals along the way. Camacho secured his second victory in the event after taking down Brazil's Carlos Patrique Souza. The Houston, Texas, native will now look to secure a berth in the gold medal round but will need to defeat Japan's Shion Nishiyama to do so. Georges' impressive win over Hungary's Levente Kiss marked his first international victory, setting up a bout against Moldova's Andrei Zaplitnii on Friday.
As for the veterans, Yoseline Perez (women's 54 kg) earned Team USA's first win of the day, a 5-0 unanimous decision over Mexico's Ariadna Jeanette Gil. Perez will now compete in the medal round for the second consecutive tournament, this time against Hungary's Hanna Lakotar. Additionally, Rahim Gonzales shined bright against Austria’s Lucky Aimufua and earned a 5-0 win of his own.
Team USA's three returning Olympians then took the ring and dominated their respective opponents on day two. Alyssa Mendoza (women's 57 kg) and Jajaira Gonzalez (women's 60 kg) each earned unanimous decision victories over Hungary's Vladislava Kukhta and Italy's Rebeca Nicoli, respectively. Morelle McCane (women's 65 kg) nabbed a 4-1 win over Switzerland's Anna Julia Jenni.
Mendoza will now have a massive showdown with Brazil's Jucielen Romeu on Friday to decide one half of the gold medal bout. Mendoza and Romeu have a recent history, as Mendoza will seek revenge after Romeu defeated the Caldwell, Idaho, native in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Gonzalez will look for her third win of the tournament and will square off against Brazil's Rebecca Santos on Friday. McCane will take on Hungary's Luca Hamori during Friday's slate.
DAY ONE
Jajaira Gonzalez (women’s 60 kg) and Rene Camacho (men’s 65 kg) each captured 3-2 wins in their tournament debuts Wednesday in the Czech Republic at the World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025. The pair were the lone Team USA athletes in competition on day one of the tournament, and following their victories, they now advance to the quarterfinal rounds of their respective brackets.
Gonzalez (Glendora, Calif.) closed out her 2025 international debut in style with a 3-2 victory over Croatia’s Sara Beram. Following the victory, Gonzalez will take on Italy’s Rebecca Nicoli in the quarterfinals. A second win at the tournament for the Glendora, Calif., native will guarantee her a medal at the event; however, she remains persistent in capturing the gold medal in her 2025 international debut tournament.
“First time fighting international since the Games,” said Gonzalez after her victory. “I felt a little rusty, but of course, it’s the first day. Back at it again tomorrow, and it’s going to be better tomorrow.”
Camacho (Houston, Texas) entered the ring with confidence for his Team USA international debut. After stepping out to throw the first punch of the bout, Camacho closed the door on any questions about whether or not he was ready for the international stage. Camacho shined under the lights and ultimately secured a 3-2 win over Hungary’s Milan Petriman.
“Feeling good, feeling good. I got the dub,” said Camacho of his win over Hungary on the opening day of the tournament. “We’re taking it all the way to the gold. We’re not going for anything less. Win, win, win and win again!”
