Five Towns Community Center to host boxing event

The Long Island Amateur Boxing Championships and Charities will be hosting the 83rd Annual New York Golden Gloves preliminary competition on Feb. 17 at the Five Towns Community Center in North Lawrence starting at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the tournament is to raise money and establish a scholarship fund to assist young boxers to further their education and vocational aspirations. Those interested can purchase tickets in advance that are $10 for children and $20 for adults. Proceeds from the event will go toward the victims of the Haitian Earthquake and the scholarship fund. Former professional boxer and Huntington native Gerry Cooney has made a written agreement with the Long Island Amateur Boxing Championships and Charities to assist with the tournament, organizers report. Fans may come out, meet and take their picture with Cooney, as well as receive an autograph.