Union County Boxer Earns National Ranking

LINDEN, NJ — A Linden-based amateur boxer is gaining national attention after breaking into USA Boxing’s top youth rankings at 165 pounds.

Andriy Lishchuk, 18, is now ranked No. 8 in the country following a silver medal performance at the USA Boxing International Open in Pueblo, Colorado, earlier this year. It was his first appearance at a national tournament, where he advanced to the championship bout before dropping a close decision in the youth 165-pound final.

The result marks a significant step in the young boxer’s career, who has steadily built his résumé in New Jersey and beyond. Prior to the national tournament, Lishchuk earned a notable win over previously unbeaten New Jersey state champion Jandel Martinez.

He has also captured New Jersey Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves titles during his amateur career.

Lishchuk, who graduated from Linden High School in 2025, moved to the United States from Ukraine in 2018 and began boxing at age 13.

“This shows me that I’m on the right path,” Lishchuk said. “Being in the gym every day and working hard is eventually going to pay off. It gives me even more motivation because the goal is to become number one.”

He trains at Park Elite Boxing Academy in Roselle Park under head trainer Ryan Songalia.

“Working with Andriy is a coach’s dream,” Songalia said. “You’ll never find anyone who works harder or is more willing to learn.”

Outside of boxing, Lishchuk is studying nursing at Union College of Union County while continuing to train and compete as an amateur.

He is expected to compete in several major tournaments in 2026, including the National Junior Golden Gloves in Texas and the National PAL Championships in California.