Women’s boxing at its best

BARBADOS could very well be staging the biggest Women World Boxing Championship when the sixth edition is held from September 6 to 9 at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.In a very attractive multi-media launch at the Wildey Gym on Thursday evening, president of the Barbados Amateur Boxing Association and chairperson of the local organising committee Joyce Bowen disclosed that 60 nations and more than 600 people will be descending on Barbados to witness the first punch.Bowen, speaking in the presence of Minister of Sports Stephen Lashley along with representation from the National Sports Council, the Barbados Olympic Association, Kensington Oval Management Inc. and other sporting bodies, indicated that as part of the championships 60 young female boxers had been chosen from lesser developed countries where they will be trained by  20 coaches, led by national coach Gary Bowen in Barbados.President Bowen added that the International Boxing Association (AIBA) will conduct an examination for its technical delegate during the championships which are expected to surpass the numbers for the editions held in the United States, Turkey, Russia and China. Barbados had outbid Russia to stage this year’s edition.$2.5 million contributionLashely pointed to Government’s commitment to ensure the success of the championship by contributing $2.5 million to the tournament. “In order to optimise the net economic impact, I invite the corporate entities doing business in Barbados and the region to capitalise on the opportunity to support this world class event,” Lashley said.“. . . This championship provides the opportunity for the resurgence of the sport of boxing in general and the upsurge of women’s boxing in particular. The hosting of this international championship is yet another milestone in the strategy of [the Ministry of Youth, Family and Sport] to reposition sports as an economic engine in the development of Barbados.”Barbados will be represented by Greeta Narine in the featherweight, Jenny Benedick in the lightweight, Molissa Narine in the light welterweight, Kimberley Gittens in the welterweight, Milissa Clarke in the middleweight and Shakana Martinin the light heavyweight. Gary Bowen is the coach with Shawn Worrell as assistant and Rowena Walcott as manager.