Team New England’s Gilbert Kabamba (Dorchester) falls in national title bout in Oklahoma

Gilbert Kabamba of Dorchester came oh so close to becoming a back-to-back national champion But the Dorchester fighter was edged in a split decision during the final bout of the Golden Gloves of America Tournament of Champions on Saturday night in Tulsa Okla Last year Kabamba earned his title with a triumph over Sardius Simmons of Flint Mich Simmons a left-handed boxer got his revenge Saturday with a - conquest in their pound fight He s definitely disappointed New England Golden Gloves executive director Bob Russo declared He had a real good tournament It was close It was kind of a flip of the coin type thing It was a terrific showing for Unit New England as the group finished fourth out of franchises The club was put together following action this past winter at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium It was a pretty good finish Russo revealed We haven t finished that highly in quite awhile Kabamba was the only New England fighter to make the finals Two others lost in the semifinals