Young boxers at Lynn gym enjoying success

The young boxers who train at the Rivera Brothers Boxing Gym on Columbia Road in Lynn have performed well lately.Two boxers, Jalam Garcia and Rashidi Ellis, both students at the Ford Middle School, have advanced to the nationals in Independence, Missouri, which will take place Feb. 4-7. They did so by winning their respective bouts by knockout at the Silver Mittens under-16 competition in Oneonta, New York. If Garcia and Ellis fare well in Independence, they will receive consideration to go to the Olympic training center in Colorado, said Ward 7 city councilor Rick Ford, who has helped raise money for the gym.”They could get a second look if they were to be national champions,” Ford said.The gym is trying to raise enough funds to send both boxers and two coaches, Alex and Andy Rivera, to Independence. Ford estimated the cost at between $1,100 and $1,500. Those wishing to make a donation may mail checks to: Rivera Brothers Boxing Club, 1 Archstone Circle, Unit 109, Reading, MA 01867.Additionally, the gym received good news when three boxers fought in Gold Gloves over-16 competition last Friday at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium and won by knockout. The fighters who advanced were Khiry Todd and Christian Oliveira, both from Lynn and Lynn English; and Fabio Dambrosio of Revere. Overall, seven boxers from the gym are participating in the tournament.