BOISE, Idaho — MATCH RECAP: Caldwell Olympian Alyssa Mendoza's run ends with loss in Paris
Caldwell native Alyssa Mendoza returns to the international stage Friday looking to extend her stay in France and reach the boxing quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics.
Mendoza meets Brazil's Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu in the women's featherweight (57 kg / 125 pounds) round of 16 at 8:18 a.m. MT Friday. The Brazilian won gold at the 2024 Pan American Games and received a first-round bye in Paris.
The 20-year-old American advanced with a 3-2 split decision victory Tuesday morning over Mijgona Samadova of Tajikistan. After claiming the opening round 3-2 and dropping the second frame 4-1, Mendoza rallied to take all five scorecards for the finale.
A watch party inside Indian Creek Steakhouse in Caldwell waited anxiously for the result, celebrated with an eruption of cheers and emotion for the hometown Olympian. The community is set to show its support once again as Mendoza takes on the Tokyo Olympics competitor.
HOW TO WATCH
Team USA Boxing fans and Idahoans following Mendoza's run can use the links below to watch Friday's featherweight showdown, scheduled for 8:18 a.m. MT.
The public is invited to join the City of Caldwell for another watch party Friday morning at Indian Creek Steakhouse as Team USA's youngest boxer competes in her second bout.
"Whatever the time of day, we will have a party going on somewhere to support her and show her how much we love her and appreciate all she's doing for our community," Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner said.
For more on Mendoza's path to Paris after graduating from Middleton High School – including her perfect performance at the second World Qualification Tournament in Thailand – visit KTVB's Team Idaho tracker for the 2024 Olympics.