Gilbert Kabamba Falls Just Short of Back-to-Back National Title in Golden Gloves Final
Tulsa, OK – Gilbert Kabamba of Dorchester narrowly missed clinching his second consecutive national championship at the Golden Gloves of America Tournament of Champions on Saturday night. The seasoned fighter faced off against Sardius Simmons of Flint, MI, the only boxer to defeat him previously. In a closely contested match, Kabamba lost by a split decision, ending the bout with a score of 3-2 in favor of Simmons in the 198+ pound category.
Despite the disappointment, New England Golden Gloves executive director Bob Russo praised Kabamba’s performance throughout the tournament, noting that the final was a tight match, akin to “a flip of the coin.” Team New England showcased a strong performance overall, finishing fourth out of 30 franchises, marking a remarkable return to form for the team since their last high placement.
Kabamba was the sole finalist representing New England, with two others bowing out in the semifinals. Russo expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing that their recent finish was among the best they’ve achieved in years. Kabamba’s journey continues as he aims to reclaim his title in the future.
Originally Published: May 17, 2025, at 11:14 PM EDT
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