On Saturday April 9, 2016, novice boxers from across the state of New Jersey convened in Middletown South’s gym to compete in a single event: the Golden Gloves. Coaches and trainers spent weeks preparing their students for this very competition. In total, there were 13 different matches between boxers from differing gyms within the same weight division. Numerous spectators gathered to find out who would be the champion of the Golden Gloves.

The event, run by Middletown P.B.A. 124, served as a fundraiser for the Police’s K-9 unit. The police department agreed to have the competition at South so that some of the proceeds could also go to the Middletown South Student Athletic Council. I had a conversation with Officer Mazza about how the funds would benefit the unit and he informed me money would go to “training, equipment, and healthcare” which are all necessary for the success of the program. There are currently three K-9 units with hopes for more. When asked to comment on the event, the German Shepherd with Officer Mazza had no comment. Officer Mazza did leave me with this: “every little bit helps. We try to do as much as possible.”

Tickets ranged from $10-30. Spectators filled the bleachers as well as the seats placed around the boxing ring. People came to the event for a multitude of reasons. People like the Castro family came to support their sons and brothers. Brandon Smith came to “see what the event was all about.” James Sabatino was there with the police department and Middletown First Aid. Wrestlers from South’s team were there to volunteer their time at the concession stand. Everyone had a great time overall and thoroughly enjoyed the boxing.

Midway through the evening the moment everyone had been waiting for had come; it was time for the 125 pound sub novice final. It was time for the champion of the Golden Gloves to be determined. After several rounds of boxing the match finished. The crowd eagerly awaited the judges’ verdict. The announcer held the two boxers arms in his hands to announce the winner. “Boxing from the red corner…” The audience politely clapped, but then something strange happened. “Excuse me. Excuse me. Boxing from the BLUE CORNER… Juan Tejada!” The audience erupted into applause. The announcer had made a mistake, but no one was complaining (except the opponent, John Tarrant).  

Tejada received his trophies and took pictures with his family. After he had the time to celebrate with his family I had the opportunity to talk with Tejada about his training, his history of boxing, and his victory. He told me plain and simply that he loves boxing because he has “a lot of fun doing it.” Tejada finds boxing to be a beautiful sport and he truly loves it. To train for an event, such as the Golden Gloves, he went to three weeks of training camp and spent two hours a day fight. After the match Tejada told me it “[felt] great being the Golden Gloves champion of New Jersey.” His final remark? “Praise God.”

Overall, the night was a huge success! Both the K-9 unit and the Middletown South Student Athletic Council benefitted from the Golden Gloves. The boxers proved that hard work pays off. Family members felt pride in their loved ones. The audience had a wonderful time. South was happy to bring in an outside event and looks forward to bringing in more.