Dominican boxing achieves perfect night with seven gold medals at Central American Games

Dominican boxers delivered a flawless performance at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, securing seven gold medals in their respective finals. This perfect night for the delegation saw every finalist who stepped into the ring on Friday emerge victorious, marking a historic achievement for Dominican boxing.

Estefani Almánzar initiated the women's gold rush with a split decision victory over Venezuela's Diana Maestre in the 54kg final, upgrading the silver medal she won in San Salvador 2023. Her path to gold included wins over opponents from Haiti, Guatemala, and Mexico. In the men's division, Junior Alcántara secured the first gold by defeating Cuba's Alejandro Claro in the 55kg category. Alcántara also improved on his 2023 silver medal performance.

Miguel Ángel Encarnación followed with a 4-1 split decision win against Mexico's Hugo Barrón in the 65kg class. Disney Medina then claimed gold unanimously against Venezuela's Wilson Solorzano in the 60kg final. Ricardo Cuello added another title, winning a split decision against Cuba's Yusnier Sorsano in the 70kg division. Noel Pacheco continued the streak, defeating Venezuela's Diego Pereyra by split decision in the 80kg final.

The night's most significant victory came from Cristian Pinales, who defeated two-time Olympic champion Julio César La Cruz of Cuba by split decision in the 90kg category. With Pinales's win, the Dominican Republic reached 44 gold medals in the Games, surpassing Venezuela by one and solidifying their fourth-place position in the overall medal standings. The seven gold medals from boxing were a major contribution to the host nation's success.

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Seven finals, seven victories and seven gold medals was the balance of a day that also had a direct effect on the Dominican Republic's position.