The final day of the 2025 Brandenburg Cup in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, offered a breathtaking display of dominance by Team USA’s Youth High Performance squad. With seven gold medals claimed and a total of eleven podium finishes, the American team concluded the tournament in emphatic fashion. It wasn’t just the number of medals but the commanding performances and rising talent that best captured the collective belief in the road to Los Angeles 2028.
A Commanding Close to the 2025 International Season
From early morning walkouts to the final bell, Team USA demonstrated sharp technique and unshakable confidence. All seven athletes in the gold medal rounds walked away victorious, underlining an unwavering execution. The haul of 11 medals from 13 athletes marked one of the most successful international outings for the program this year, an impressive capstone to the summer schedule and a statement of intent for the Olympic cycle ahead Fight NightsYardbarker.
Competing across both women’s and men’s divisions, these youth boxers showed that talent, preparation, and composure form a winning combination. Their performances not only concluded a stellar tournament but also set the tone for what lies ahead as they transition into elite-level competition.
Rising Stars Deliver Gold
In the women’s division, Joscelyn Olayo-Munoz (48 kg, Las Cruces, NM) initiated the gold rush with relentless aggression and poise, overwhelming Italy’s Amelia Sula for a unanimous decision her first international gold Fight NightsYardbarker. Not long after, Alexis Tangaro (54 kg, Waianae, HI) showcased pinpoint shot selection and tactical precision, earning a 5-0 victory over Lithuania’s Jelizaveta Jakimova her first international medal as well Fight NightsYardbarker.
The men’s roster was equally impressive. Lorenzo Patricio (50 kg, Waianae, HI) dazzled with impeccable timing and movement against Australia’s Taj Harrington, capturing a shutout 5-0 win and earning Best Technician honors after a flawless run Fight Nights. Team captain Salim Ellis-Bey (60 kg, Philadelphia) backed up his leadership with relentless pressure and physical dominance in a 5-0 win over Azerbaijan’s Babayev Subhan—completing a perfect 4-0 week Fight NightsYardbarker.
Lavant Brownlee (65 kg, Louisville, KY) made his international medal debut in commanding fashion, winning two unanimous decisions, scoring a stoppage, and claiming the final by walkover after navigating a deep bracket Fight Nights. Joseph Awinongya (80 kg, Joliet, IL) impressed with a second consecutive stoppage finish, landing a devastating right hand that ended his bout in devastating fashion Fight NightsShaw Local.
Closing out the tournament with grit and strategy, Nnajai Wright (90+ kg, Richmond, VA) outmuscled Germany’s Ahmed Abdulgamidov by executing a smart game plan. Despite a reach disadvantage, he used agility and well-placed uppercuts to secure a 3-0 decision Fight Nights.
Coaching That Shapes Champions
Behind the boxers was a coaching ensemble that brought experience, strategy, and representation. Head coach Edward Fonteneaux (Fayetteville, NC) led the team with unwavering vision, complemented by assistants Jason Hamilton (Spanaway, WA) and Ronald Wright (Columbus, GA). A historic first arrived with Yessenia Montalvo (Bloomfield, NJ) the first female coach from her state to serve on a USA Boxing Youth High Performance team. Her leadership added not just technical insight but critical representation in the sport Fight NightsUSA Boxing.
For these athletes, having coaches who understand pressure, Olympic aspirations, and international competition proved invaluable. Together, they fostered a winning environment that thrived on trust, resilience, and shared ambition.
What This Means for LA 2028 and Beyond
As the 2025 international calendar closes, this performance cements USA Boxing’s upward trajectory. Winning 11 medals from a 13-athlete lineup reveals both depth and readiness qualities key to Olympic medal contention Fight NightsYardbarker. It also amplifies confidence as these boxers graduate from youth ranks toward the Elite division and eventually set sights on Olympic glory.
Just months earlier, this squad captured seven golds at the National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival in Las Vegas a strong domestic performance that translated seamlessly to the international stage Yardbarker. The momentum is undeniable. As the cycle progresses toward Los Angeles 2028, these youth athletes stand as both hope and reality the tangible evidence of a program built to win.
Beyond Medals Stories That Matter
Memorable moments extend beyond the scorecards. In Joliet, JoJo Awinongya, after powering through four grueling matches, nearly didn’t wake up for his final bou —thanks to some last-minute nap time and sheer luck. He rallied to win the championship by stoppage, then returned home with plans to motivate youths at local juvenile detention centers. He’ll also move into Elite competition in Canada this fall, building toward his Olympic dream Shaw Local.
These stories reveal that USA Boxing isn’t just cultivating champions, but characters young adults with grit, community focus, and Olympic-level promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Brandenburg Cup?
An annual youth international boxing tournament held in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, the 2025 Brandenburg Cup featured rising stars from across the globe and served as a vital testing ground ahead of major events. It represented one of the final competitions in the 2025 international schedule for Team USA Fight NightsEngland Boxing.
How many medals did Team USA win at the 2025 Brandenburg Cup?
Team USA earned 11 medals from a 13-athlete contingent: seven golds and four bronzes a performance that ranked among the most successful in recent memory Fight NightsYardbarker.
Who were the standout performers?
Women’s standouts included Joscelyn Olayo-Munoz and Alexis Tangaro, both winning their first international medal. Among men, Lorenzo Patricio earned Best Technician, while Salim Ellis-Bey, Lavant Brownlee, Joseph Awinongya, and Nnajai Wright all delivered gold-winning performances Fight NightsYardbarkerShaw Local.
Who coached the team?
USA Boxing’s Youth High Performance team was led by head coach Edward Fonteneaux, with assistance from Jason Hamilton, Ronald Wright, and Yessenia Montalvo the first female coach from New Jersey in this role Fight NightsUSA Boxing.
What does this success mean for Team USA’s future?
This results-packed performance offers momentum and confidence as these youth boxers move into Elite competition and pursue Olympic qualification. The groundwork for Los Angeles 2028 is being firmly laid, supported by depth, talent, and resolve.
Conclusion
Team USA’s sweep of gold medals on the final day of the 2025 Brandenburg Cup was far more than a tally of victories—it showcased a program defined by talent, cohesion, and ambition. From rising stars capturing their first international titles to a coaching team breaking new ground, every element aligned to deliver a resounding statement: this youth team is ready for bigger stages.
As these athletes step into Elite divisions and toward Olympic qualification, their journey merits attention and support. Want to follow their rise or explore USA Boxing’s initiatives? Learn more about their programs Boxing Essential.
