Things are fast taking shape for a real renaissance in the sport of boxing in Belize, beginning with this Sunday’s return to Bird’s Isle showcasing a number of young boxers.
Manager Frank Martinez of Cayo Lions Den Gym, which will feature 3 boxers on Sunday’s card, is of the firm belief that “we have to start with the development of the youths, from ages 8 to 16 years, if we want to go anywhere in any sport.” He says he has about 25 youths training right now at the gym in Cayo, and his vision, which he shares with manager/promoter Clinton Tucker of the Ladyville Lions Den Gym, is for us to have an active development program going in each district, focusing on the youths.
In related news, promoter/manager Clinton Tucker said this morning that a meeting is planned for today to determine the way forward for the Boxing Federation, in light of recent charges against the president Moses Sulph. “As a matter of principle, in light of the present case, we have to take the necessary steps now to safeguard the image of the Federation.”
Sunday’s card will include boxers from Leo Pol Gym (Belize City), San Pedro Gym, Cayo Lions Den Gym under trainer/manager Frank Martinez and Lions Den Gym in Ladyville under trainer/manager Clinton Tucker.
The morning will get warmed up with a few short demonstrations by 7-, 11- and 13-year-olds, before the real bouts begin. Below are some of the preliminary bouts on the card, not necessarily in their correct order:
1) Eduardo Garcia (Lions Den, Ldv) vs Brandon Aguilar (Lions Den, Cayo)
2) Kenyon Wright (Lions Den, Ldv) vs Richard “Chino” Peyrefitte (Lions Den, Cayo)
3) Oren Velasquez (Lions Den, Ldv) vs Anderson Petillo (Leo Pol Gym)
4) Rayford Smith (Lions Den, Ldv) vs Simeon Lino (Leo Pol Gym)
5) Andy Dominguez (Lions Den, Cayo) vs Colin Lamb (Leo Pol Gym)
The main events are:
Female – Shenique Michael (Lions Den, Ldv) vs Pauline Reneau (Leo Pol Gym)
Male – Mohammad Harmouch (San Pedro Gym) vs Alex Neal (Lions Den, Ldv)
The referee for Sunday’s fights will be Roberto Ordonez, and ringside announcer the one and only Kenny Morgan along with the DJ services of “Boss Hog” sounds.
Sunday’s boxing card begins at 11:00 a.m. at Bird’s Isle. Tickets are available at Ther’s Kitchen on Mahogany Street ($10.00 regular admission and $25.00 reserved) or contact Clinton Tucker at 604-5178.