By Cary Shuman
Lynn resident Rashida Ellis will be trying to win her sixth Women’s National Golden Gloves championship next month in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Ellis, a 2014 Lynn English graduate, will be competing in the 132-pound division at the national tournament that begins July 5. The 21-year-old amateur boxer, who stands 5 feet, 4 inches, is confident about her chances.
“I’m going down to Florida to win,” says Ellis, who competed in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials last October but lost in the semifinals by one point on the judges’ scorecards. “My goal is to win two more titles and then turn professional.”
Ellis, ranked No. 1 in New England, has a 35-5 amateur record with 13 knockouts. She said her best combination is a double jab but adds, “I have speed and power.”
Rashida has two older brothers, Akeem, 28, and Rashidi, 23, who are both undefeated as professional boxers. Akeem (10-0) will be boxing July 22 at Foxwoods in Connecticut. Rashidi (15-0) has been signed by Golden Boy Productions.
Alex Rivera serves as the trainer for both Rashida and Rashidi. Ronald Ellis, Rashida’s father, assists in her corner during fights.
Locally, Rashida has been working out with strength and conditioning coach Alex Sepulveda at Private Jewels Fitness, 725 Summer St., Lynn. Yamil Sepulveda, Alex’s brother, and Justin Roberts, also work with boxers on strength and conditioning at the gym.
“I’ve been working with Rashida and she’s ready to win another national title,” said the 36-year-old Alex Sepulveda. “We’re been developing her speed and her strength so she’s fast and strong from the opening bell through the final round.”
Sepulveda, who is a five-time Golden Gloves champion and certified U.S.A. boxing coach, said Rashida also helps instruct youth boxers at the gym. “
Sepulveda is proud of the boxing program he is building at the Lynn gym he opened seven months ago. “I put this program in place to get the best out of Lynn kids. Thus gym is about having the right lifestyle. Kids here are working hard for the same common goals. And Rashida sets a great example for the younger fighters that train here.”
Lynn women’s amateur boxing champion Rashida Ellis (right) is pictured with her strength and conditioning coaches, from left, Alex Sepulveda and Justin Roberts, at Sepulveda’s Private Jewels Fitness Gym on Summer Street.