Re-emergence of Local Boxing

The re-emergence of Boxing on the sporting agenda here is welcomed. The recovery path of the sport started last January with the election of a new executive. The latest effort comes after a three-year lull in the association. The dormancy has almost blotted out of the minds of many, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has such a sport at its disposal. {{more}}

Boxing over the years has suffered from lack of facilities and committed individuals to carry the mantle of administration.

And, these shortfalls have not changed even in the three-month tenure of the new executive.

The association still has no funds; there is no place to call home for the sport; the boxing ring acquired some years ago is in need of repair and lies idle at Arnos Vale exposed to the elements.

But the efforts of the new officers must be encouraged as undoubtedly, they have the sport at heart.

The increasing demand for sporting facilities in the state and the enhanced awareness of the importance of physical fitness and its revival adds to the spread of meaningful activities available to the Vincentian youth.

Opportune may be the correct term, in light of the open manifestation of lawlessness and violent actions displayed by the nation’s youth. It may seem paradoxical that Boxing, with its seemingly injurious intent is advanced as a means to stem the flow of deviance.

Human beings are instinctively retaliatory.

Boxing, like all other sports, is inherently rulebound; hence this natural intent could be curbed through programmed training, discipline and indeed commitment.

Here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the sport is at amateur status and it is here the distinction lies.

In amateur boxing, the referees’ judicious officiating protects the boxers, so chances of injury are lessened, and promotes technique over brute force.

It will not hurt the new executive led by Winston Telesford to work closely with the National Commission on Crime Prevention (NCCP) in its bid to recruit young boxers.

This organisation’s intelligence of repeated offenders and those prone to commit themselves can be brought to bear in this exercise.

In the squared circle, they release their pent-up energies in controlled aggression, not for a life sentence in incarceration, but for a national title and recognition.

Whilst this may not be the only method of luring persons to the sport, it is plausible. Some can be active members not for competition, but with the sport highly demanding physically, use the routines to keep in shape.

The sport enjoyed periods of popularity. Novice and amateur bouts were staged and with boxing predominantly an event staged at nights, added to the Vincentian sporting life.

Enroy Toney, Hudson Nanton, Cavanaugh Gumbs, Tyrone Telesford, Angus Lewis and Romain Glasgow are some of the boxers who have come through in the 80’s and 90’s .We have seen boxers attaining titles at the OECS level. This country on more than one occasion lifted that sub-regional title and hosted that competition. The idea was entertained once that a Pan American, CAC or Commonwealth medal was attainable during the glory days of the sport, but this thought faded into a dream as the sport took a nose dive.

But this can still become a reality with the support of all.

The sport must be encouraged to flourish. Its continued existence depends on the perseverance of those entrusted to charter this new stage of its metamorphosis. And, with closer diplomatic ties being established between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Cuba, one of the exponents of the craft, this provides more possibilities for its success.