Wadena to host Northern Minnesota Golden Gloves tournament

The Northern Minnesota Box-off will be conducted 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Wadena Armory.

Winners in the Class A Division from the southern part of Region IV, which includes boxers from Wadena, St. Cloud, Bemidji, Willmar, Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes and Pine River, will go up against the northern Region IV champions from Duluth, Leech Lake and Lake Lena.

These winners advance to the Upper Midwest Tournament at the Medina Ballroom 2 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday.

Champions from this area scheduled to box include David Bialke, St. Cloud, 132 pounds; Andy Kolle, Fergus Falls, 156 pounds; Dan Soukup, Pine River, 165 pounds; Jesse Ruiz, 178 pounds, Willmar; Lee Roggenkamp, Wadena heavyweight; and Nate Ott of Nevis, who boxes for Wadena at super heavyweight.

Some novice, junior and female bouts are also scheduled. Wadena boxers include T.J. Steward, 147 pounds, DeWayne Steward, 135, Cody McManigle, 118, and Michele Avila, 169. Possible opponents will be found for Nimrod's Lacey Kushel, 125, and L.D. Kushel, 119.