LAS VEGAS — Known worldwide as the ultimate playground, Las Vegas is also carving a niche as a serious contender in the realm of collegiate sports, particularly boxing. This spring, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) will take center stage as it prepares to host the 2026 U.S. Intercollegiate Boxing Association (USIBA) National Tournament from March 26–28. This highly anticipated event will gather collegiate boxers from across the nation, spotlighting the next generation of fighters in a city steeped in boxing tradition.
WATCH | Taylor Rocha takes us inside the program preparing to host:
UNLV Boxing to Host 2026 USIBA National Tournament in Las Vegas
For head coach Jason Crocco, this tournament represents a significant milestone for a program that has been on a path of revitalization. Over the past few years, Crocco has embarked on a mission to restore UNLV’s competitive identity in the boxing arena. “I had to kind of break them and build them,” he reflected, emphasizing that this event is a pinnacle moment in that journey.
Returning to the program, Crocco had a clear vision of what he wanted to accomplish. The opportunity to host the national tournament not only showcases the progress the team has made but also symbolizes its growing presence on the collegiate boxing landscape. “It’s a huge honor for us to be hosting such a prestigious event,” he stated, reflecting on the program’s comeback.
As the event approaches, it also offers a platform for collegiate boxing to gain visibility — an aspect that many believe is critical for the sport’s growth. UNLV fighter Rayhan Bhat reinforced this sentiment, noting that while professional boxing often garners attention, collegiate boxing remains somewhat overlooked. “It’s very important to have the collegiate level championship here because it gets more eyes on the sport,” he explained. “The sport has eyes as a pro sport, but nobody really pays attention to collegiate boxing.”
In a bid to connect the local community with this revitalized program, UNLV Boxing will host an open-gym rally on March 21. This event will allow fans to meet the fighters, see their training regimen, and experience firsthand the dedication that goes into preparing for such a critical national event. The interaction aims to foster a sense of community and support, as the Rebels gear up for the competition.
Focusing on preparations, UNLV boxer Joshua Lira has experienced a rigorous training schedule in anticipation of the tournament. “I’m working really hard, two times per day, maybe once, maybe three times sparring per week,” he shared. Lira’s dedication includes running six miles every day, underscoring his commitment to excellence. For him, boxing stands as more than just a competitive endeavor — it is a way of life that instills discipline, resilience, and personal growth.
“Boxing is more than a sport for me,” Lira elaborated. “It’s discipline. It’s a style of life.” Coach Crocco, too, recognizes the broader lessons that boxing imparts on young athletes. “It’s about learning how to get knocked down and get back up,” he noted, speaking to the resilience necessary in both the ring and life. “You’ve got to keep pushing.” This philosophy of perseverance is a core tenet of the UNLV boxing program and is a theme that will resonate throughout the tournament.
With the national tournament coming to UNLV’s campus, the Rebels are poised not only for competitive success but also to showcase the tenacity, spirit, and discipline that define their program. This moment is about more than just winning matches for Crocco and his fighters; it is about proving that their hard work has made an impact, marking their return to the national stage.