NJ Diamond Gloves finals matchups set
The 2023 New Jersey Diamond Gloves are down to their final day as the state’s annual boxing championships are set to come to a close on Sunday, October 15 at the North Bergen Recreation Center.
Jean Pierre Valencia punched his way to the 165-pound open class finals with a third round stoppage of Jordan Simpson in the semifinals on Saturday. Valencia, who won last year’s 165-pound tournament at novice, scored a standing eight count in the third which compelled referee Mark Hoskins to waive the bout off. Valencia of Irvington will face Alvin Matthews in the final after Matthews advanced to the finals after his opponents the previous two days, Chris Campbell and Ryan Leonard, withdrew from the competition.
Valencia has won their two previous encounters by unanimous decision in the finals of both the 2022 Diamond Gloves and this year’s Golden Gloves.
Alessandro Jaucian earned his spot in the 125-pound open final after winning a 3-2 split decision over Quazir McLeod on Saturday. He’ll face Sebastian Cargua of Park Elite Boxing Academy in the final on Sunday.
In the 132-pound open semifinal, Kirc Bargamento of Wall Athletics earned his spot in the final with a decision over Alexander Collado. He will face Ethan Gonzalez in the final.
Justin Penaranda of Bayonne Recreation will face off with Jeylin De La Cruz in the 139-pound open final.
The 147-pound open final will pit Luis Aybar of Brunswick Boxing Stars against reigning open class Golden Gloves champ Xavier Correa.
In the 156-pound open final, Samir Dieujuste will meet Abedallah Elaiwah for the state title. Dieujuste of DORCA Boxing advanced to the final after beating the more experienced Tymir Daniels by split decision on Friday, while Elaiwah of Aces Boxing advanced after Victor Colon withdrew from the semifinals.
The 176-pound final is scheduled to feature Tyric Trapp against Tyler Vanorden on Sunday.
The 203-pound and 203+ pound divisions were not contested, which means Malachi Georges and Kevin De La Rosa have won their respective divisions.
Weigh-ins for the finals on Sunday take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with first fight set for 3 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 each. The North Bergen Recreation Center is located at 6300 Meadowview Rd. in North Bergen, N.J.
Other weight classes that have been decided are 132-pound sub-novice (Adolfo Hernandez), 147-pound sub-novice (Richard Cammann), 156-pound sub-novice (Jaden Lisboa) and 165-pound novice (Shemar Williams).
Other finals set for Sunday
125-pound sub-novice: John Cruz vs. Rahjon Osby
132-pound novice: Armando Camacho vs. Devin Guzman
139-pound novice: Anthony Micciulli vs. Tymon McCall
147-pound novice: James Ligabo vs. Paul Duran
156-pound novice: Eduardo Corona vs. Anthony Belizaca
165-pound sub-novice: Elias Bernado vs. Aidan McCann
176-pound sub-novice: Gabe Hernandez vs. Armando Hernandez
189-pound sub-novice: Samuel Reyes vs. Omotayo Fatiregun