Estefani Almánzar wins gold in 54 kg boxing

San Salvador’s silver became gold in Santo Domingo. Estefani Almánzar was crowned champion of the 54 kilograms category in boxing at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, beating Venezuelan Diana Maestre by split decision 3-2 in the final this Friday.

The bout was held at the Combat Pavilion of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, with the Dominican crowd pushing their fighter in every round.

A four-bout road

The Dominican did not reach the final by chance. Her route to gold was a demonstration of consistency:

• August 1: beat Haitian Katiana Petit-Homme in the round of 16.
• August 4: defeated Guatemalan Jennifer Yool in the quarterfinals.
• August 6: dominated Mexican Ariadna Gil with a resounding 5-0 in the semifinals, securing at least silver and a ticket to the title bout.
• August 7: the gold, against Maestre.

Three wins by decision and an outstanding performance in the decisive rounds completed the feat.

The key figure

3-2, the split decision that gave her the gold. The closeness of the score says it was not easy; the medal says Dominican women’s boxing keeps climbing the podium.