Silver Glove Competition
The New Jersey Silver Glove competition was scheduled to take place on December 1st at Elite Heat Gym in Newark, NJ. This year the athlete entries were uncontested weight classes across many divisions with one exception. Boxers and Coaches arrived for weigh-in with the hopes of competing but unfortunately this did not happen. Our Coaches prepare the young athletes for months with the hope of winning the New Jersey Silver Glove competition, advancing to the Regional Silver Gloves held in Herkimer, New York and then advancing to the National Silver Gloves in Missouri.
The disappointment of not having an opportunity to compete at the local level clearly sparked a fire in our Coaches and athletes. If you haven’t already heard the news, team New Jersey swept the Silver Glove Regional tournament!
One cohesive team… which began weeks before the actual event. The coaches rallied and put together training camps and sparring sessions with athletes from various states and gyms, working together in preparation for this day.
Moving forward to the Silver Glove Regionals in Herkimer… if you looked around the venue what would you see? New Jersey STRONG!!! Parents, coaches, athletes, friends and family ALL on one accord… cheering for each other and giving the support necessary for our youth to be successful. A team full of passion and purpose… and at the end of the day mission accomplished. CHAMPIONS!
First in the ring and leading the day in victory was Dylan Dynamite Diaz. “An impressive demonstration of skills and drills all three rounds”, states a smiling Coach Suarez. Being familiar with these young boxers, Coach Suarez sang praises and gave kudos to the Coaches for the exceptional way all these young boxers stepped up their game and dominated their opponents. Following young Dylan’s performance, the crowd cheered as they experienced the footwork fancy movement and the non-stop punching of Ezekiel Suarez. Bringing his “A GAME” with a smile, just what he does whenever he steps into the ring. Ezekiel’s hand was raised, victorious again. Next to enter the ring was his buddy and teammate, Ramon Ordonez, ready to give yet another stellar performance. As we know, the young Ordonez brings the pressure like no other. From start to finish, never letting up, never letting his opponent set or catch a breather. VICTORY!!! Ramon hands it off to our strong and tenacious southpaw, Yoell Cooper AKA Boy Boy.
Yoell shows the crowd a combination of tenacity and strength, landing the powerful left at will and stunning his opponent. As you already know, another victory claimed by team New Jersey. And it doesn’t stop here. Entering the ring, the slick and evasive Nasiq Jones AKA “Candyman”. Nasiq starts off at the sound of the bell, pulling explosive and impressive combinations from his bag of tricks. Forcing his opponent to miss repeatedly, he puts on another show for team New Jersey. Did someone say five victories? Yes, we are at victory number 5. Wait, we have one more. After cheering his teammates on to victory and being the eldest of the traveling team, Mr. Darius Stone decides it is his job to end the show by stopping the show! Darius dominated round 1, barely allowing his opponent to return for the repeat domination and near TKO in round 2. Then in round three, Darius stops his opponent in his tracks, demonstrating a new sense of focus, agility and strength. Six contested champions and let’s not forget Champion number seven, Marcello Tejada, uncontested in his division. Marcello will advance to the Silver Glove Nationals as a member of this dynamic team!
Congratulations to all involved and we are looking forward to following this team of Champions to the Silver Glove Nationals. Hats off to all of those who took part in making this possible for our youth. A shout out and very special thank you to Ramona and Jose Concepcion for traveling to the Silver Glove Regionals and officiating.
Way to go team New Jersey!