LOWELL, Misa. (February 24, 2017) – Twelve novice division champions were crowned last night in the men and women’s finals of the New England Tournament of Champions, part of the 71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Central New England edged Western New England, 6-4, to win the team title and receive the George McGuane Award. Northern New England had the other two individual winners.

The much-anticipated showdown in the light welterweight bout lived up to its billing as Alejandro Paulino, of New London (CT), defeated Tyngsboro’s (MA) Nathan Balakin, 4-1. Paulino was presented the Louie Ayala Memorial Award as the Outstanding Boxer. Jose Ayala, Louie’s brother, made the presentation.

“We had another big, enthusiastic crowd that enjoyed watching some great matches,” anati Bobby Russo, New England Golden Gloves Executive Director. “The novice division finals had so many good matchups. Paulino versus Balakin was a very good fight. Tsopano, we move on to next week’s open division semifinals and finals of the New England Tournament of Champions.”

To purchase individual tickets, kuyambira pa $16.00 ($7.00 ophunzira), call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online at www.LowellMemorialAuditorium.ndi.

Chimaposa ndi Lowell Sun Mabungwe Golden Magolovesi Championship kupita kwa kutumiza New England Golden Magolovesi akatswiri ku National Golden Magolovesi Championship (2017 in Lafayette, Louisiana), kuwonjezera kuchirikiza othamanga m'dera ndi madera gyms, ndi Boys & atsikana Club, m'makhitchini msuzi, m'misasa pokhala, ndalama khansa, maphunziro ndi zina zambiri zimayambitsa kwambiri lachifundo.

The top N.E. open class boxers will compete in next Wednesday ndipo Thursday night semifinals and finals, ankalemekeza, of the New England Tournament of Champions. Open-class winners will advance to the National Golden Gloves Championships for men in Lafayette, Louisiana (MAY) and women in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (July).

Novice finals results and the remainder of the NE Tournament rounds are listed below:

Open Maphunziro Semifinals – Lachitatu, Sea. 1

Open Maphunziro Championship omaliza – Thursday, Sea. 2

New England Golden Gloves Executive Director: Bobby Russo

Director of mpikisanowu: Art Ramalho

Chief ya Nduna: Laurie Purcell

mphete olengeza: John Vena

Malo: Lowell Chikumbutso Molankhuliramo, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA

Website: www.lowellgoldengloves.com

Twitter: @LowellGloves