U19 World Boxing Championships 2024

The Australian team’s exceptional showing at the 2024 U19 World Boxing Championships in Pueblo, Colorado, marked a historic achievement for Australian youth boxing, with seven medals—one gold and six bronzes—placing Australia firmly on the global boxing stage. This success represents the strongest youth performance by Australia to date, a testament to the talent and hard work of the athletes and coaching staff who made this milestone possible. The championships, held from October 25 to November 5, saw over 180 boxers from 30 countries compete, including traditional powerhouses like the U.S., India, England, and Italy. Australia’s results, especially in such a competitive field, are a promising indication of the country’s growing reputation in international youth boxing.

The Australian contingent, led by head coach Igor Pocev and supported by assistant coaches Mark Evans and Jessica Cashman, along with team manager Marcelo Cabezas, brought together some of the most promising young boxers from across the nation. This dedicated team made a substantial impact, with Cooper McConnell’s victory in the men’s 65kg division standing out as only the second gold medal ever won by an Australian in youth world championship history. McConnell’s disciplined performance in a highly competitive weight class demonstrated his potential for future international success and underscored the quality of training and preparation that led to his win.

Alongside McConnell’s historic gold, six Australian athletes earned bronze medals: Linkyn Macmillan in the men’s 75kg, Diyanshu Redhu in the men’s 70kg, Jacob Cassar in the men’s 60kg, Indianna Timms in the women’s 65kg, Ciara Storch in the women’s 60kg, and Leah Anderton in the women’s 48kg. These bronze finishes, alongside top-eight placements by Georgia Lawson (W57kg) and Malakye Folima (M80kg), highlight the remarkable depth of talent within Australia’s youth boxing ranks. Additionally, Beau Piggott (M50kg) reached the top 16, while Jacob Friend (M55kg) made it to the top 32, adding further to the team’s accomplishments.

The significance of this success extends beyond medals, reflecting Australia’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of boxing champions. Support from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), and Commonwealth Games Australia played an essential role in enabling these young athletes to compete on an international stage. These organisations provide vital funding, training resources, and athlete development programs, ensuring that young boxers like McConnell and his teammates are well-equipped to excel. Their ongoing support is instrumental not only for the athletes’ physical and mental preparation but also in fostering a national sporting culture that prioritises athlete welfare and development.

The championships themselves were a landmark event, marking the first-ever global U19 competition organised by World Boxing. Held at the Pueblo Convention Center, this event brought together top young talent from across the globe, offering Australian athletes a unique opportunity to compete against high-caliber international opponents. This experience is invaluable, as it gives them exposure to the intensity and atmosphere of world-class competition—crucial preparation for those aiming to pursue senior international and Olympic-level boxing in the future.

Australia’s successful performance at these championships will create a lasting impact for boxing, not just in its historic result, but to inspire young athlete and reinforce the Boxing Australia pathways framework that invested in these  young athletes. As the athletes return home, the experience they gained and the support they received from the AIS, ASC, and Commonwealth Games Australia will undoubtedly fuel further growth in the sport. These accomplishments not only celebrate the individual achievements of the athletes but also symbolise the collective potential of Australia’s rising stars in boxing. Boxing Australia's investment in development pathways is paying dividends, and the achievements of this youth team signal an exciting future for Australian boxing on the global stage.