Strong performances signal bright future ahead for Polish boxing
Poland emerged victorious from the World Boxing Cup held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, bringing home a remarkable collection of medals that highlights the country’s growing prominence in global amateur boxing. Of the 15 athletes representing the nation, 11 reached the podium — including two who claimed gold — positioning the Polish team, especially the women’s contingent, strongly for upcoming international competitions and Olympic qualifiers.
The competition marked a major step forward for Poland’s boxing resurgence, which began gaining momentum after Julia Szeremeta’s historic silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics — the country’s first Olympic boxing medal in 32 years. Her achievement reignited national interest in the sport and spurred increased funding from the Ministry of Sport, enabling enhancements in training infrastructure and expanded opportunities to compete internationally.
At the World Boxing Cup — a new initiative by the World Boxing Federation that awards both medals and ranking points vital for future Olympic seedings — Poland’s athletes made a bold statement. The women’s team delivered a standout performance, with Wiktoria Rogalińska and Barbara Marcinkowska claiming gold.
Rogalińska impressed in the 51 kg division, defeating Great Britain’s world youth champion Lauren Mackie in the semi-final and dominating the USA’s Yoseline Perez with a unanimous 5:0 decision in the final. Marcinkowska, competing in the 70 kg category, advanced with a stylish victory over Germany’s Leonie Mueller before narrowly edging out Australia’s Lekeisha Pergoliti in the final (3:2).
In addition to the golds, silver medals were secured by Julia Szeremeta (57 kg), Aneta Rygielska (60 kg), and rising star Kinga Krówka (65 kg), while Natalia Kuczewska (51 kg) and Oliwia Toborek (75 kg) brought home bronzes.
The men’s team also contributed to Poland’s overall success. Paweł Brach earned silver in the 60 kg category with a standout performance, while Jakub Słomiński (50 kg), Michał Jarliński (75 kg), and Jakub Straszewski (85 kg) added bronze medals to the tally.
With its strong showing in Brazil, Team Poland has not only demonstrated its current strength but also laid a solid foundation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
