Recently, Ayahna Gonzales, a sophomore in Sacramento State’s Combat U program, made history by winning a national title at the 2026 (NCBA) National College Boxing Association Championships.
Back in April 2025, Gonzales made history when she was crowned Sacramento State’s first female boxing All-American. One year later, Gonzales enhanced her resume when she achieved collegiate national champion status.
A native of Sacramento, California, Ayahna Gonzales spent most of her younger life participating in gymnastics. Unfortunately, Ayahna suffered an injury, which forced her to change her focus to another sport.
As a student-athlete at River City High School, Ayahna Gonzales was a member of the varsity tennis team. Gonzales included boxing in her workouts as a form of cross-training.
While utilizing the sweet science as a preparatory tool for her tennis game, Gonzales developed an interest in boxing. The attachment to the sweet science was a natural process due to the fact that boxing is in Ayahna’s DNA.
Ayahna’s father was Andre Ward’s long-time sparring partner, and he was also a legitimate super-middleweight contender. From 2007-2014, Brandon “Flawless” Gonzales was an active professional boxer who finished his career with a record of (18-1-1, 10 KOs).
Ayahna’s mother, Janelle Gonzales, was an amateur fighter who became a multiple regional Golden Gloves and U.S. Championships champion. Both of Ayahna’s parents are currently coaches for Combat U.
As a student, Ayahna Gonzales is pursuing a degree in biological sciences. Ayahna, the athlete, is a technical boxer who has a solid jab, good hand speed, and a strong right hand.
She has the potential to eventually transition to the professional ranks, but as of now, the reigning NCBA national champion, Ayahna Gonzales, plans on attending medical school and becoming a doctor.
However, Gonzales hasn’t completely ruled out a career as a pro boxer. In a recent interview with Vince DWriter, Ayahna left that proverbial door slightly open when she stated: “At this time I’m focused on getting into medical school, but you never know where my path may take me.”