The little 10-, 11- and 12-year-olds from the Cayo Lions Den gym are raring to go, explained manager/trainer Frank Martinez by phone this evening, and he will have some of them put on a few rounds of exhibition on Saturday; but unfortunately, talks with the gym in Belize City did not result in competition coming forward for the Cayo youth, who will now have to spar amongst themselves. Nevertheless, this Saturday’s event will be a showcase that is geared to excite and inspire the youth who may want to put on the gloves and take up the sport of boxing. Thus, continued Martinez, the event being FREE is determined to accomplish exactly that; not profits at the gate right now, but raising the interest in the sport among the youth and the general public, who will get to see some good fighters from Guatemala matched against our local boxers. Building the base of the sport now is so that it can become economically viable later on.
Martinez assured us that the Belize Boxing Federation, headed by President Moses Sulph, is in support of the upcoming boxing event, which, according to a release today, is being hosted by the new organization, the “Belize Development Council in conjunction with His Worship the Mayor, John August, Jr. and the Cayo Welcome Center.” Martinez stressed that theirs is “not a renegade organization, and we are willing to work with like-minded and conscientious people who are willing to exemplify unyielding determination and stand firmly on the threshold of progression to see boxing and all sports develop from a functional perspective.”
According to the release, Saturday’s “free Open Air Boxing Competition” will feature “fighters from Guatemala who are Central American boxing champions and national champions, namely Luis Barillas, Cristian Lopez, Kevin Najera and Luis Alfaro, as well as Belize’s very own fighters like Alex Neal, Mohamed Harmouch and Andy Dominguez” from the Belize District, San Pedro and Cayo District.
The boxing event is FREE because it is being sponsored by: San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council, Bowen & Bowen, Running W, Fuego Restaurant, Atlantic International Bank, Serendib, D‘ Catch, La Casa De Teresa, Yolis Pizza, Flavas Bar & Grill, Smart, River Park Inn, Hi-ET Guest House, Champion Sports Bar, Councilor Mike Salazar, Cayo Cable Vision, West Line, Touch of Class Comfort Inn, Savannah Taxi Cooperative, the Aguada Hotel, and Mana-Kai Camping & Cabins.
All are invited to come out and enjoy “a spectacular evening at the Cayo Welcome Center, while watching boxing at its best.” The opening bout, showcasing 10 – 12-year-olds, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.