Lowell, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Officer Jonathan Rivera, a member of the Lowell Police Department, has made a name for himself in New England’s fight scene. Recently, he captured the 155-pound Combat Zone amateur championship in a unanimous decision against Damien Galotti. With a record of 4-2, Rivera balances his duties as a police officer with rigorous training. His commitment to both careers highlights the spirit of a local hero. Additionally, the local sports scene remains active with soccer matches, golf events, and youth programs providing engagement and opportunities for the community.
Lowell
Local cop turns combat champ, golf locals keep their game sharp
This one reads like a mash-up of a tough clubhouse story and a Sunday medal round. Officer Jonathan Rivera, a 13-year veteran of the Lowell Police Department, has been quietly carving out a name for himself in New England’s fight scene while keeping his day job on the beat. On Aug. 16 he added a real trophy to the shelf: the 155-pound Combat Zone amateur championship, won by unanimous decision over Damien Galotti in Manchester, N.H.
Rivera’s record now sits at 4-2, and he trains out of Karasu Tengu Academy in Nashua, working striking, grappling and the conditioning that keeps him in shape for both shifts and shows. Combat Zone — New England’s longest-running MMA promotion — puts its cards on the table at Southern New Hampshire University Arena and is run by UFC featherweight contender Calvin Kattar. Rivera’s win moves him into the kind of regional spotlight that can change the next few chapters of a fighter’s career.
He’s not stopping to bask. His first title defense is already locked in for Nov. 1. Between patrols, training sessions, and family time, Rivera is balancing two demanding careers and gaining notice across the region.
Boxing under the lights
This spring, on May 3, 2025, Rivera laced up gloves for a boxing event put on by the Massachusetts State Police Boxing Team in Fairhaven. He took a split-decision over State Trooper C. Loftus — a fighter who entered the ring with a 2-1 record — and earned Fight of the Night honors for the effort. It’s a handy reminder that the same focus you’d see on a tight par putt shows up in a fight camp, too.
Local sports snapshot for fans who follow the scorecard
While Rivera is getting media and ring time, the local sporting calendar stays busy. The UMass Lowell men’s soccer team is hosting Long Island University on Sunday at Cushing Field, coming off a season-opening 2-1 home win over Saint Peter’s. Redshirt sophomore Justin Pham and junior Linus Musielak provided the goals that day. The River Hawks are rebuilding with depth — 17 newcomers, including nine transfers and eight true freshmen — the kind of turnover that makes every match feel like a new tournament round.
Golfers to watch
For the golf crowd, two local players punched their tickets to the 42nd Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship, set for Sept. 8-10 at Andover Country Club. Andrew Mierzwa shot a 1-over par 72 to qualify, while Zachary Miller went 1-under with a 71. That kind of qualifying form is exactly the kind of momentum you want heading into a championship week — think clean tee shots, smart course management, and confident short-game touch.
Other community notes
Motorsports fans had action too: the Milton CAT American-Canadian Tour started a doubleheader weekend at Oxford Plains Speedway with Gabe Brown taking the win, Derek Gluchacki second and Jimmy Renfrew Jr. third. Back in the city, public safety moves were active — the Lowell Police Department seized 10 bicycles during an operation targeting reckless riding in Centralville and Downtown, taking bikes from nine juveniles and one adult; one juvenile was summoned to court for disorderly conduct.
One of the more heartening initiatives this month: the Lowell Police and the Massachusetts State Police Diving Team gave free swimming lessons to 75 youths, part of an ongoing effort supported by the Officer Sean A. Collier Memorial Fund. Over four years nearly 200 children have benefited. That’s the kind of community program that saves lives long before any headlines.
What this means to local sports fans
If you follow golf, racing, or the local athletic scene, there’s a familiar rhythm here: qualifiers peaking at the right time, rookies and transfers shaking up rosters, and community programs keeping youth engaged. For fight fans, Rivera’s story adds the classic angle of a local hero balancing service and sport. For golfers, his approach — preparation, repetition, calm under pressure — reads like the same lessons you use from the driving range to the 18th green.
FAQ
Who is Jonathan Rivera?
Jonathan Rivera is a 13-year veteran officer with the Lowell Police Department who also competes in amateur combat sports. He won the 155-pound Combat Zone amateur title on Aug. 16 and holds a 4-2 fighting record.
When and where did Rivera win the title?
He won the 155-pound Combat Zone amateur championship on Aug. 16 in Manchester, New Hampshire.
When is Rivera’s first title defense?
His first title defense is scheduled for Nov. 1.
What golf events are coming up locally?
The 42nd Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship will be held Sept. 8-10 at Andover Country Club. Local qualifiers include Andrew Mierzwa and Zachary Miller.
How did local youth swimming programs perform this month?
Lowell Police and the Massachusetts State Police Diving Team provided free lessons to 75 youths this month, part of a four-year effort that has helped nearly 200 children learn to swim.
Where can I find more local sports action?
Keep an eye on community fields and arenas: UMass Lowell soccer home matches, Combat Zone events at the Southern New Hampshire University Arena, local speedways, and municipal recreation announcements for youth programs.
Quick reference table
| Event | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Zone 155 lb Title Win | Aug. 16 | Manchester, NH | Rivera won by unanimous decision; record now 4-2 |
| Title Defense (Rivera) | Nov. 1 | TBD | First title defense scheduled |
| Boxing Match | May 3, 2025 | Fairhaven, MA | Rivera won split-decision; Fight of the Night |
| UMass Lowell vs Long Island University | This Sunday | Cushing Field | River Hawks opened season with 2-1 win |
| Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Championship | Sept. 8-10 | Andover Country Club | Qualifiers: Andrew Mierzwa (72), Zachary Miller (71) |
| Swimming Lessons | This month | City Pools / Diving Team sites | 75 youths taught; nearly 200 helped over four years |
| Bicycle Safety Operation | Recent | Centralville & Downtown, Lowell | 10 bicycles seized; 9 juveniles, 1 adult; 1 juvenile summoned |
Whether you care more about the long drive or the last round pressure, the local scene is serving up drama, development and community action. Keep your tee times and fight nights in your calendar — there’s plenty to follow.
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Additional Resources
- Lowell Sun: Local Roundup – Lowell Police Officer Captures MMA Title in Manchester, N.H.
- Lowell Sun: Lowell Police Seize 10 Bicycles in Crackdown on Youth Safety Violations
- Lowell Sun: Lowell Police, State Police, and DCR Team Up to Offer Free Swimming Lessons
- Wikipedia: General Knowledge
- Google: General Search
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