Dominican Republic Boxing Team Named for Santo Domingo 2026 Games
The Dominican Republic’s boxing team for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games has been finalized, with Olympic medalists Yunior Alcántara and Cristian Pinales leading the male squad, and veteran Estefani Almánzar heading the women’s contingent, according to the Dominican Boxing Federation. The event, set for July 24 to August 8 in Santo Domingo, will see the team aim to match or exceed their 2023 performance, where they secured nine medals, including two golds.
Team Composition and Key Athletes
The men’s team includes Alcántara (55 kg), a bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Pinales (90 kg), who won bronze in the same Games. Other competitors are Disney Ezequiel Medina (60 kg), Miguel Ángel Encarnación (65 kg), Ricardo Cuello (70 kg), Noel Pachecho (80 kg), and Daniel Guzmán (over 90 kg). The women’s team features Almánzar (54 kg), a silver medalist at the 2023 San Salvador Games, alongside Esther Jiménez (51 kg), Génesis de la Rosa (57 kg), Katherine Jessica Beras (60 kg), and Alamny Pérez (65 kg).
Training and Preparation
The team is currently training in Bogotá, Colombia, as part of their buildup for the Games. Armando Hernández, head coach of the national boxing teams, emphasized the balance between experience and youth. “We have a well-rounded squad with veterans and emerging talents, all equipped to compete for podium finishes,” Hernández said in a statement from the Dominican Boxing Federation.
Past Performance and Goals
The Dominican Republic finished second in the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games, earning nine medals. Pinales and Alexys De la Cruz were among the standout performers, securing two golds. The team’s objective for Santo Domingo 2026 is to improve on that result, with Hernández noting the inclusion of Olympic medalists as a key advantage.
Technical Staff and Support
The delegation includes coaches Eudis Méndez, Gregorio Santos, Nancy Fuentes, Roibert Guzmán, and Eduard Ricart. José Manuel Rodríguez serves as cutman, while Luciano Ramírez is the team’s delegate. The federation has also confirmed logistical support, including medical and technical staff, to ensure optimal performance.
Why This Matters
The Dominican Republic’s boxing program has consistently ranked among the top in the region, with a history of producing Olympic and world champions. The 2026 Games represent a critical opportunity to solidify their dominance ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With a roster combining seasoned athletes and fresh talent, the team’s performance could influence future selections for international competitions.
What’s Next?
The team will relocate to Santo Domingo in late June, with final preparations expected to include exhibition matches and tactical reviews. Fans anticipate a strong showing, given the athletes’ recent successes and the federation’s commitment to competitive readiness.