A group of local boxers has a big week ahead as it travels South to Chattanooga, Tenn., for the USA Eastern Elite Qualifier and Regional Championships.
Four local boxers, all of whom train at Lynn’s Private Jewels Fitness, will compete in the tournament style event in hopes of earning a spot in November’s Olympic Qualifier in Salt Lake City Utah.
The four are Aramis Maldonado, Moises Zorrilla, Zach Calmus and Charles Espinal. Maldonado and Zorrilla, both from Lynn, will compete in the 132-pound division. Calmus, a Gloucester native, will fight in the super heavyweight division. Espinal, from Salem, will compete in the 152-pound division.
All four have been training closely with Private Jewels owner Alex Sepulveda.
“It’s a big step forward for our program,” Sepulveda said. “This is huge. We’re trying to start a big program here in Lynn and having four of our boxers advance this far is huge. It’s proof that the boxing program in Lynn is alive and stronger than ever.”
Sepulveda will have added responsibility at the Qualifier, as he has been tabbed as the head coach of the New England Olympic team. He’ll be working closely with a group of 20 boxers from all over New England.
“It’s a great honor to be picked for this,” Sepulveda said. “To be chosen from hundreds of coaches that do a great job as well, it’s a great honor. I’m just happy to be a part of the team and to be representing Lynn all the way.”
The team arrived in Tennessee on Sunday and will remain there until Oct. 22, when the tournament concludes.
“None of the kids have ever been to Tennessee and some of them have never left the city,” Sepulveda said. “Taking them to a different state and a different environment will be a positive experience for them. It’s going to open their eyes and it’s going to be wonderful for them.”
The level of competition the fighters will see this week, Sepulveda said, is going to be top-notch. The event features top boxers from all over the country.
“It’s the best competition from each region of the country,” Sepulveda said. “Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, every region of the country will be represented here. It’s like basketball’s March Madness.”
In preparing for the Qualifier, Sepulveda has seen a shared emotion of excitement from his group. Sepulveda noted that in order for the individuals to advance in their boxing careers, this event is a hurdle they have to climb.
“The boxers are super excited,” Sepulveda said. “They’re happy that they’re representing Lynn and all of New England. This is where they want to be and this is where they have to be if they want to move forward with their boxing careers.”
