Dominican Boxer Delroy Jno Charles made history on Wednesday becoming the first Dominican to secure a medal at the ALBA Games in Venezuela.
The Dominican super heavyweight punched his way to Silver in the finals of the super heavyweight division Wednesday night.
Jno Charles who earned the nickname the Giant Slayer following his heroics on Monday night when he beat the Nicaraguan giant Silva Jorge, took on another giant in Cuba’s Duvergel Yoel for the Gold Medal.
Both boxers traded some serious haymakers to start the fight, and at one point it looked like Jno Charles was about to take down another giant.
But the Cuban boxer used his experience and tactics and started using his jabs to keep Jno Charles at bay. In the end, the Cuban did enough to impress the judges after the 3-round bout and won the fight and the gold medal. It was not a popular decision in the arena and hundreds of Venezuelan supporters voiced their disagreement.Â
Jno Charles speaking after the fight says while he was disappointed with the end result he is proud to have brought home the Silver for Dominica.
In the meantime, Wednesday turned out to be Dominica’s best day at the ALBA games with success in Athletics, Basketball, and Chess.
Keva Pierre secured a spot in the finals of the Girl’s 400-meter event as she placed 4th in the first semi-final race on Wednesday.
She ran a time of 57.81 seconds. The first semi-final race was won by Liesnedy Veita of Cuba in a time of 53.35 seconds.
Venezuela “A” placed second and Venezuela “B” Third. The finals will take place Thursday morning at 10 am. Cherister Durand also qualified for the finals of the Girls 400 meters event. She ran 59.06 seconds in the second semi-finals to place 4th. The race was won by Roxana Gomez of Cuba in a time of 51.50 seconds. Boy’s athlete Kurnish Jean Jacques also booked his spot for the finals of the Boy’s 400-meter event. He ran a time of 52.32 seconds in his heat to finish in 3rd place.
The race was won by Kelvis Padrino Villas of Venezuela won in a time of 47.64 seconds, the finals will take place on Thursday at 10:20 am
Dominica’s boys under 17 basketball team also made history as they manhandled St Lucia to record their biggest-ever margin of victory.
Dominica took the game 132-29 winning by 103 points. Dominica also had success in Chess.
Nigel Francis set history at the 5th ALBA Games becoming the first Dominican to beat a Fide Master in Chess at the 5th ALBA Games in Venezuela. The reigning Dominica Chess Champion got the better of a Fide Master from Nicaragua. Francis was the top Chess player from Dominica with a score of 5/9 from the 9 rounds played. Dr. Lyndon Auguiste also got 4/9.
The ALBA Games continue on Thursday with Dominica participating in Athletics, Billiards, Dominos, and Table Tennis.