Has boxing turned into a pursuit of money and fame? The evidence is undeniable—each year, more and more amateurs are joining the pro ranks even before turning 20! Just last year, 15-year-old Rianna Doforo of Mexico made her pro debut against 39-year-old Milagros Hernandez Gonzalez. Although U.S. regulations prevent such early transitions, American amateurs often turn pro as soon as they’re eligible. So, USA Boxing Asst. Coach Christine Lopez, during an EssentiallySports Exclusive Interview, urged them to follow in the footsteps of the GWOAT, Claressa Shields, and stay with the Olympic team longer.

In boxing’s golden era, teams from countries like the USA and Great Britain routinely sent a robust contingent of ten to twelve amateur boxers to the Olympics. Fast forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the numbers tell a different story. The USA qualified only eight boxers, with Omari Jones securing a bronze medal. Great Britain fared even worse, sending just six boxers, among whom only Lewis Richardson achieved a bronze.

So, in response to a question on whether the trend of amateurs turning pro early has influenced or might influence the qualifying process, Lopez simply remarked, “It’s been that way.” She explained that the UK and the US get a new set of boxers every quarter, and after those boxers turn professional, they “have to get them accustomed to everything.”

It’s worth noting that the difference between boxing teams from the US/Great Britain and teams from the rest of the world is that the US/Great Britain doesn’t allow professional boxers to compete in the Olympics. This changed during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has reverted back to normal.

Regardless, Lopez said, “I think people do see the bright lights. They see the money and they don’t see deeper than that or beyond that. So, it’s unfortunate.” Having to part with brilliant boxers before they achieve their full potential, a disheartened Lopez added, “I would like to see some of our team stay.” Because by the time the Los Angeles Olympics comes around in 2028, “they are gonna have perfected their craft”, Lopez told EssentiallySports. 

She especially highlighted the two consecutive gold medals Claressa Shields won during the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics. “Claressa [Shields] did it [for] two golds. She could have gone for a third, I am sure, cuz she was so young”, Lopez said. Nonetheless, she acknowledged the effects of amateurs turning pro early, stating, “It has changed because people are going pro.” With that said, what was Claressa Shields’ journey like on her way to not one but two consecutive golds? 

Claressa Shields – The only female boxer with two consecutive gold at the Olympics

Claressa Shields’ path to winning two Olympic gold medals is an epic story of grit and determination. At just 17, she made history by snagging gold at the 2012 London Olympics, the first time women’s boxing was even included. Even though she took a tough loss to Savannah Marshall at the 2012 Women’s World Championships, Shields didn’t let it get her down. Instead, she used it as fuel, driven by her childhood trainer’s pep talks.

By 2016, Shields came back to the Olympics more confident and skilled than ever and bagged her second gold medal. Her growth, both in mind and body, helped her outshine her competition and show just how far women’s boxing had come. Shields didn’t just secure her spot as a champion; she also set the stage for future female athletes. Her journey really shows how belief, preparation, and resilience can lead to incredible achievements.

The current state of the USA’s Olympic boxing team suggests that reclaiming their former dominance in the games will require cooperation and support from amateur athletes. But will this actually come to pass? Only time will tell. In the meantime, do you think the USA will perform better when the Olympics return to America in 2028?