The T&T Olympic boxing programme got going on Saturday night and produced a series of impressive displays that, among other things, ensured that the sport was in safe hands at the T&T Boxing Association, led by Cecil Forde.
The boxing cards were held at the Cosmic Boxing Gym in Marabella, courtesy the support of Electricity Company of T&T, Police Inspector Shawn Harry, Police Sergeant Audie Moona, Army Sergeant Reynold Cox, Michelle Mohammed and ACTN (The Voice) TV.
Among the winners Kevin Persadie of the Youth Training Centre Conquerors triumphed over Kevin Ramdeo of Cosmic Boxing Gym in a 52kg contest while Jessie Beckles of Cosmic prevailed over Anthony Ravello in a 64kg fight to catch the eyes of the selectors.
Beckles looked on afterwards as Joshua Sylvester (YTC) clobbered Josiah Hunte of Biomel Boxing Gym in the same division to set up a possible clash between them in a future card. There were also victories for Biomel's Mike Inniss and Nyrell Hosein of Biomel; as well as Angelique Quevado of Trumpet Boxing Gym and Tyrone St Clair of the Sand City Boxing Emporium.
Inniss who campaigns in the 60kg division, took care of Joshua Janet of YTC while Hosein got the better of Blessing Waldrop in a close battle in a 52kg bout.
Quevado on the other hand overcame a battle of her life, to triumph over Kenisha Clarke in a 60kg fight while St Clair did just enough to get the better of Hanebal Grimes in an 82kg bout.
The second day of action in the Olympic qualifiers will be held on February 12 at the same venue.