Sand City fields ten for championships

Siparia Boxing Emporium, better known as Sand City, will field a team of ten for the National Amateur Boxing Championships, which will ring off on Wednesday at the Woodbrook Youth Facility, at 6 pm.

Three will attempt to defend their titles while the others seek to take more trophies to Siparia. 

One of the favourites, Christine Ramsey, the national flyweight champion, is hoping that victory and success will force either relevant authorities or good Samaritans to come to their aide in renovating their gym. Ramsey was also voted ‘Most Outstanding Female Boxer at the 2012 Championships’. 

During a whirlwind session in borrowed space at the Cosmic Boxing Gym, Ramsey along with her team mates sparred, shadow boxed, worked the heavy bags and took a moment to speak of their hopes and dreams—and their disappointments too. “Can someone please help us to fix our gym?” 

This was the main cry from the youngsters. It was revealed that whenever rain fell, the gym floods and it is impossible for the boxers to train indoors. 

“We have to train outside, where mosquitoes bite us, the place is cold and the lighting is bad”, said Ramsey.

Coach Christopher Hospedales voiced the same concerns and said he was hoping for the best. “Last year we had three national champions. 

We are hoping that this time at least five of our boxers win gold, with the lesser experienced ones at least medalling in silver and bronze. Maybe then we would get the help we need”.

On the other side of the country, in Diego Martin, the Champs Boxing Academy is more optimistic about their future. Head Coach, Glenroy Anderson shared his views and opinions. 

“As an aficionado of the Cuba’s boxing ideology, my goal is for Champs Boxing Academy to operate as an Academy in the true sense of the word. 

My expectation for this championship is to see many other clubs bring forth young boxers within the same age bracket as Champs in order to successfully promote the sport at the primary level. I believe if we are to aspire as a nation we must start development at a tender age in order to provide competent or exceptional boxers at the Olympics”.

With an entourage of young boxers in his stable, Anderson is more concerned with the bigger picture of boxing success nationwide. 

“Naturally I want my boys to do well and medal, but I am hoping that the standard of boxing is raised to the next level after this championship”. The Champs team includes a total of seven boxers.

The five-day event has received the support and blessings from the honourable Anil Roberts, the Ministry of Sport and the Sport Company of T&T.

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