Amateur boxing is alive and well at the 2024 USA National Championship

Boxing is often discussed as a dying sport, and in particular the amateurs are all but non-existent in the eyes of some. But then you have Zyaire Chaviz, a 17-year-old amateur fighter, who also happens to be an encyclopedia of knowledge on amateur boxing, with a focus on the United States’ program.

Chaviz recently sat on a leather sofa at the Lion’s Den Boxing Gym in Pittsburg, California, where he streamed and intently watched the 2024 USA National Championship that took place December 16-21 at the Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia. Eagerly introduced each fight with perspective and great detail, Chavez shared his insights with those around him. The depth and breadth of his knowledge on the subject would have been impressive coming from anyone, let alone a young man not yet able to cast a vote in a presidential election.

Chaviz had some firm thoughts on the developments that unfolded in Richmond.

Who stood out most at nationals?

“Salim Ellis-Bey,” Chaviz said. “His boxing ability and how he beat [a top prospect in] Marcus Luther. I like how he and his team just went about things.”

“Thomas Covington,” Chaviz said. “He dominated. He never had a close fight.”

Covington was indeed named the outstanding boxer of the tournament’s Male Elite division, while Ellis-Bey was tabbed as the competition’s Male Youth outstanding boxer.

It’s good to know the amateurs are alive and well in the passions of fans like Chaviz. A few more notes and observations from last month’s US nationals:

Jahmal Harvey, Omari Jones absences

Jahmal Harvey, widely considered USA Boxing’s best amateur, didn’t compete in the tournament. No official reason was given. Neither did Omari Jones, the lone Olympic medalist from the 2024 USA Boxing team.

Notable Female Elite fighters

National champion Sarai Brown-El (106lbs) is going to be a real contender for Olympic glory. Brown-El has been very good for years, but in the Elite category she has taken another step up. Yoseline Perez (119lbs) was extremely dominant and, not unlike Brown-El, is a young fighter emerging to make a charge at the veterans in USA Boxing’s amateur system.

Two names stood out in the Male Youth division. Philadelphia’s Salim Ellis-Bey, who won the 132lbs championship, and Joseph Awinongya (176lbs) of Joliet, Illinois. Although neither is yet a finished product, each appears closer to being ready for the pros.

Thomas Covington might be the face of the 2028 US Olympic team. Although it’s still premature to say, Covington left many who witnessed the nationals with a belief that he has a promising future as the face of the next era of USA Boxing.

Malachi Georges, a pro prospect to watch

Georges is a southpaw who does a lot of smart thinking in the ring and should transition well into the pros. Richmond was his introduction to the national stage as one of the top fighters in the United States, and it was quite the debut.

Past Olympians who had success in Richmond

In the cases of both the men and women, the event proved that experience is the best teacher. Jennifer Lozano (112lbs), Alyssa Mendoza (125lbs), Jajaira Gonzalez (132lbs), Morelle McCane (143lbs) and 2020 Olympian Naomi Graham (165lbs) all won their divisions.

Roscoe Hill, a 2024 flyweight Olympian, won the 110lbs division, and Gonzales (as mentioned) won at 176lbs. The men’s division didn’t feature many of the top names from the 2024 Olympics.

Meet Frank Espinoza, from the lineage of Diego Corrales

Nothing says boxing and Sacramento, California, like trainer Ray Woods. The stepfather of legend Diego “Chico” Corrales might have a Cinderella story for the end of his career in Espinoza, a Woods fighter who only somewhat recently picked up the sport but won nationals at 165lbs.

The Patricio family continues to produce national champions

Although it might not be the best-known family name in the sport, the Patricios have built a huge reputation in USA Boxing for developing national champions. Whether it is Shera Mae, Lorenzo or Sheelyn, all are finding success. At Richmond, Lorenzo won his bracket at 110lbs, while Landon won his at 121lbs.

Male Elite: Thomas Covington 

Male Youth: Salim Ellis-Bey

Female Elite: Alyssa Mendoza

Female Youth: Laila Zakirova

A complete list of the winners as provided by USA Boxing:

2024 USA Boxing Female Youth national champions

101lbs: Nevaeh Netro; Houston

106lbs: Joscelyn Olayo-Munoz; Las Cruces, New Mexico

112lbs: Laila Zakirova; Staten Island, New York

119lbs: Alexis Tangaro; Waianae, Hawaii

125lbs: Violet Lopez; Milwaukee

132lbs: Savannah Jackson; Washington, D.C.

165lbs: Olivia Ford; Waymart, Pennsylvania

176+lbs: Kayla Maria Moore; Disputanta, Virginia

2024 USA Boxing Male Youth national champions

110lbs: Lorenzo Juanito Patricio; Waianae, Hawaii

121lbs: Landon John Patricio; Waianae, Hawaii

132lbs: Salim Ellis-Bey; Philadelphia

143lbs: Lavant Brownlee; Louisville, Kentucky

154lbs: Jose Vasquez; Dallas

165lbs: David Lona; Kyle, Texas

176lbs: Joseph Awinongya; Joliet, Illinois

187lbs: Angel Blancarte; Hutchinson, Kansas

198+lbs: Nnajai Wright; Richmond, Virginia

2024 USA Boxing Female Elite national champions

101lbs: Emely Sandoval; Southgate, California

106lbs: Sarai Brown-El; Marietta, Georgia

112lbs: Jennifer Lozano; Laredo, Texas

119lbs: Yoseline Perez; Houston

125lbs: Alyssa Mendoza; Caldwell, Idaho

132lbs: Jajaira Gonzalez; Montclair, California

143lbs. Morelle McCane; Cleveland

154lbs: Isabella Winkler; Seattle

165lbs: Naomi Graham; Colorado Springs, Colorado

176lbs: Ruby Martinez; Omaha, Nebraska

2024 USA Boxing Male Elite champions

110lbs: Roscoe Hill; Spring, Texas

121lbs: Marcellus Smith; Garfield Heights, Ohio

132lbs: Thomas Covington; Westland, Michigan

143lbs: Dustin Jimenez, Rochester, New York

154lbs: Aaron Waldon; Austin, Texas

165lbs: Frank Espinoza; Sacramento, California

176lbs: Robby Gonzales; Las Vegas

187lbs: Patrick O’Connor; Accokeek, Maryland

198lbs: Malachi Georges; Teaneck, New Jersey 

198+lbs: Kelvin Watts; Chesapeake, Virginia

Lucas Ketelle took an unconventional path to boxing, eventually finding his stride in gyms and media. For the past decade, he has hosted the Lukie Boxing podcast, filmed training camps for fighters like Arnold Barboza Jnr, Mikey Garcia, and Caleb Plant, and worked with top professionals like Mike Bazzel. Ketelle is also an author of Inside the Ropes of Boxing, a guide for young fighters, a writer for ProBox TV, BoxingScene, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at @LukieBoxing.