Pro boxers switch to coaching

Professional boxers Floyd Trumpet and Leeann Boodram have put aside their boxing gloves in exchange for hand pads while they train boxers in their respective gyms in preparation for the National Amateur Boxing Championships. 

Trumpet is the head coach of Ultimate Gym and says his aim is to make his gym the “Mecca of boxing in T&T.”

“We believe our guys will take home nothing less than three gold medals this year, but in future we will completely sweep the championships. The boxers have been training hard and are very confident,” said Trumpet. 

Based in Chaguanas, Ultimate Gym will participate in their first boxing championships. Just 10 months old, the gym boasts a membership of 35 members participating in boxing, kickboxing, MMA and CrossFit training.

Meanwhile, Boodram is assisting her father Timaldass Boodram at the Phoenix Boxing and Kickboxing Gym, located in Princes Town. A well-accomplished amateur boxer herself, the younger Boodram expects all six members of their team to be successful and bring home gold medals.

The 2008 Pan American bronze medallist also indicated that besides physical training, the young men and women are taught discipline as well.

“It should be noted that all members of this gym are hard-working, humble and respectable to their coaches and peers. Fighters in this gym are taught to use their skills in the ring only and not in any negative or disreputable way that may cause damage to the integrity of the gym. The head coach of Phoenix is very well respected throughout Trinidad and we expect our students to maintain a good reputation,” said Boodram.

​