The U.S. Military Academy hosted the 70th annual Brigade Boxing Open Finals on February 20 at Crest Hall, concluding two nights of competition with 18 champions crowned. Ten title bouts took place during the finals, featuring seven men’s and three women’s matches. In total, eight new champions earned their first BBO titles, while 10 cadets added to their career totals. All champions now advance to the National Collegiate Boxing Association regionals, which are being held March 12–14 at the Bristol Sports Armory in Bristol, Connecticut.
The evening opened with the men’s 132-pound title match, where CDT Brandon Freeman ’28 used his reach and pacing to secure his first championship. “Getting my hand raised was the moment I realized all my work had finally paid off,” he said. In the women’s 132-pound bout, CDT Kennedy Rogers ’28 claimed her first title by controlling the inside fight and outlasting her opponent, CDT Jally Yang ’29.
Several returning standouts also delivered strong performances. CDT Tejas Chadha ’26 earned his second BBO title at 139 pounds by applying late pressure and body shots, while All-American CDT Santos Riccardi ’27 secured his second career championship at 147 pounds. In the heavyweight division, All-American CDT Jon Mathis ’28 earned his second straight BBO crown, noting the challenge of staying composed while maintaining technical precision.
The finals also highlighted several emerging talents. CDT Austyn Kump ’27 took the women’s 147-pound title through relentless body shots, and CDT Fallon Barretto ’29 impressed the crowd with powerful exchanges to win the women’s 119-pound division. Team captain and CDT Elijah Gates ’26 captured his first BBO championship by controlling distance and pacing. “It reflects months of preparation and discipline,” Gates said. “It reinforces that consistent work pays off.”
Additional champions from the previous night’s bouts were also honored, including four-time BBO champion CDT Daisy Terrones ’26 (106 lbs), CDT Ella St. Louis ’27 (125 lbs), two-time national champion CDT Emma Ebiuwhe ’26 (165 lbs), CDT Trinity Acuna ’29 (112 lbs), All-American CDT Aaron Fuentes ’28 (125 lbs), CDT Kenyatta Brannon ’26 (195 lbs), CDT Naeem Miller ’29 (119 lbs), and three-time champion and two-time All-American CDT Haley Shaw ’27 (139 lbs).
With two days of spirited competition complete, the Corps’ top boxers now look ahead to the National Collegiate Boxing Association regionals as they continue West Point’s proud tradition in collegiate boxing.
The information and images were taken from https://www.westpoint.edu. Photos by Eric S. Bartelt / USMA PAO-VI.
