Ultimate Gym took the lion's share of prizes when the Amateur Boxing Association (TTABA) held its awards ceremony on Sunday. The Chaguanas gym took five gold medals, while Fine Line Fight Factory (Chaguanas) and Magic Community Boxing Gym (Carenage) took three gold medals each.
The Ultimate Gym, coached by Floyd Trumpet, was named "Best Rookie Team" while Dmitri Shroud's Magic Boxing gym took the "Gym of the Tournament" award based on the points system for the number of open class and youth competitors.
A total of 24 champions were officially crowned at the function. Stephen Charles (Black Hawks) was deservedly named "Best Male Boxer" after defeating Akiel Outram (Cosmic) in what was unofficially regarded as the "fight of the championships." Charles was openly and immediately congratulated by Outram, a gesture which merited a standing ovation from the appreciative audience.
Candice Pyke (Magic) took "Best Female Boxer" of the tournament, Stephanie Allen (Golden Fist) had her hands full as she received her Flyweight Gold Medal, a special award for the international card and another special award for her performances throughout 2012. Nicholas Potts of the YANS academy took the "Reynold Cox Trophy for New Talent" and was highly praised for his courage and skills in the ring.
The five-day championship was touted as the largest ever in the Association's history and president of the TTABA, Cecil Forde praised the coaches for bringing their boxers out. Forde made a plea for boxers to continue participating in cards held throughout the rest of year. "It is not in the best interest of boxing or the country if boxers compete once a year at the nationals. If we continue in this regard, our boxers will not sufficiently be prepared for regional and international competition".
Forde also voiced his disappointment that the TTABA was unable to nominate boxers for the FCB Sports Foundation 2012 Awards. "2012 was a disappointing year. We had no boxers, male or female, to nominate for FCB awards. That should never have happened and we will work hard to ensure that it is not repeated."
Boxu Potts, special advisor to the Minister of Sports, encouraged boxers to develop a winning attitude and the fortitude to make the necessary sacrifices to move ahead. Potts called on the athletes to develop themselves holistically and create career opportunities. "You must be the ambassadors of your country. Your medals and results will determine the level of aid and assistance which you can access. I saw great potential in the championships and we must become a force to be reckoned with in the global sporting village. I believe we have the chance to qualify boxers for most of the divisions in the 2016 Olympics, and to certainly come home with at least four boxing medals from Brazil", stated Potts.
Ford expressed gratitude to Minister Anil Roberts and the Ministry of Sport and the Sport Company, Potts, Caribbean Bottlers Ltd and all who contributed to the success of the 2013 National Championships.
Awards
Best Junior Boxer: Christian McDonald (Ultimate Gym)
Best Youth Boxer: Jean Marc Borel (Rough House)
Best Novice Boxer: Davin Sinaswee (Ultimate Gym)
Best Female Boxer: Candice Pyke (Magic)
Best Male Boxer: Stephen Charles (Black Hawks)
Reynold Cox Trophy for New Talent: Nicolas Potts (YANS)
Coach of the Tournament: Anthony Waterman (Cosmic)
Coach of the Year: Reynold Cox (TTDF) and Rawlson Dopwell (Golden Fist)
Best Rookie Team: Ultimate Gym
Gym of the Tournament: Magic Community Boxing Gym
International Fight Awards: Yousanna Mohammed, Ingle Charles, Kimberly Jackson, Chimere Taylor, Kevin Coker, Kyle Ragoonath and Jermeil Gueverra.?