El Paso’s Moises Rodriguez continues to shine on the international level for Team USA boxing.
On Monday night, May 25, in Cundinamarca, Colombia, Rodriguez won a gold medal in the men’s 55-kilogram weight division with a 4-1 decision vs. Michael Zabaleta.
Rodriguez completed a perfect Copa America tournament with the win over Zabaleta.
The El Dorado High School graduate finished an eye-popping 7-0 in Colombia, including Monday’s win after overcoming a 5-0 deficit in the opening round. Rodriguez earned four unanimous decision wins, two 4-1 split decision wins, and one walkover win. His win marks his second international gold medal in 2026.
USA Boxing’s Elite High Performance Squad earned four gold medals, five silver medals, and four bronze medals at the 2026 Copa America. The United States concluded the competition with all 13 boxers earning medals. The Copa America Tournament started May 17.
Rodriguez, who was a 2025 National Golden Gloves champion, also won a gold medal at the 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament in Helsinki, Finland in April.
“The tournament has been great. The people of Colombia have been very hospitable. I’m doing really well. The team did really amazing,” said Rodriguez in an emailed statement. “I’m excited to be going back home to El Paso with a gold medal. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent USA. I’m grateful to all my family and friends. All my supporters and followers . I wouldn’t be were I’m at if it wasn’t for them.”
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso boxer Moises Rodriguez wins gold for Team USA in Colombia
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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