SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
PHOTOS BY FELICIA LAGUERRE OWENS
This past weekend, the Prudential Center hosted the 2025 Final X wrestling event. The showcase went to determining the United States Senior World Olympic team members.
A lot of talent took to the mat, with matches in a best of three series format to decide the representatives for both the men’s and women’s freestyle at the world championships.
Among the featured matches, Zahid Valencia defeated four time world champion Kyle Drake in an 86 kg men’s freestyle match. PJ Duke upset Yianni Diakomilhalis in a 70 kg matchup. Finally, Mitchell Mesenbrink lost a tough match to David Carr 4-3 in a key victory in another men’s freestyle bout at 68 kg.
On the women’s side, Helen Marolis won her match, while Audrey Jimenez and Levi Haines were victorious in their bouts. Kennedy Blades bested Brooklyn Hayes 10-4 while Macey Kilty beat Aine Durury 10-0 in a shutout.
In some other physical action, local area boxers took part in a major boxing event at the Westchester County Center. East Orange native Rajon Chance beat previously undefeated Dominican Republic standout Yan Carlos Perez in a hard fought 10 round match by unanimous decision, capturing the NBA super bantamweight title in the main event. Chance is now 9-1 with six knockouts.
This Saturday, Top Rank Boxing will have a talent showcase at the Prudential Center in Newark, with Roseland sensation Vito Mielnicki, Jr. taking on Kamil Gardzielik in the main event.
