BELIZE CITY, Wed. Mar. 4, 2020– Amidst the tension and drama grabbing the news with waterfront workers demonstrating at the port today, we belatedly received the sad news at this sports desk of the passing last week of an icon in the Belize boxing community, brother Leopold “Poly” Smart, whose Smart Boxing Gym has groomed many a young boxer over the past couple decades and more. Himself a long serving waterfront worker, Poly dedicated most of his off-work time to the sport of boxing, conducting daily training sessions for all comers, male and female, at his gym on the third floor of the ITVET building at the corner of St. Thomas and St. Joseph streets in Belize City.
Our sincere condolences to his family, relatives and friends. Rest in peace, brother Leopold “Poly” Smart.
Below we quote two slightly edited Facebook posts from the “Leopold Smart Boxing Gym”:
“February 26 at 9:39 PM”
Tonight, with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our teacher, father and mentor, the legend Leopold Smart. This is a tough one for many of us, as Mr. Smart groomed many champions in the Belize boxing community. He is the man who never takes a day off, always the first at the gym, ready to teach the sport of boxing.
“To his family and friends, our heart-felt condolences as we give our attention to his family in this time of grief. Official funeral arrangements will be posted.”
“March 4 at 2:52 PM”
Belize have lost its boxing icon. Mr. Leopold Alexander “Polly” Smart groomed many boxers who represented Belize in Mexico City, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and many places around the world. Smart earned his legacy and today we mourn his loss.
Leopold Alexander “Polly” Smart
Sunrise: September 22nd, 1951
Sunset: February 26th, 2020
Funeral service will be held at Wesley Methodist Church on Albert Street, Belize City on Saturday, March 7. The body will be received at 12:00 for funeral service at 1:00 p.m.
The body will be transported to Gales Point Manatee later in the evening for a family wake. Buses for wake will depart the Pound Yard Bridge at 5:00 p.m.
He will be laid to rest in Gales Point Manatee on Sunday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m. Buses will depart the Pound Yard Bridge at 6:00 a.m. for those who want to pay their respects.
May You Forever Rest on in Glory ‘SMART’.
Feature photo: Leopold “Poly” Smart training a young female boxer at his gym