I THINK OUR AMATEUR BOXERS made another glorious statement of intent at the just concluded Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament at the Sea Rocks Dome.
Truthfully, you can argue that the overall report card of the boxers at this level was a rubber stamp of what their predecessors have achieved in the past. Yet nothing is put on a platter; you still have to go and fight for it.
We have a blueprint for success – it’s in our DNA. But what the current crop also shares in common is that despite their hard work and the glory that comes with it for self and country, they are not given the recognition duly deserved for their efforts.
Without that recognition from the powers that be, the sport is also unlikely to get all the assistance it needs that will help the local association to put stronger structures in place that will probably ensure even more success at higher levels.
Hardest mountain
I repeat, for the umpteenth time: amateur boxing deserves a lot more state and corporate support based on its returns from all major international competitions, except the Olympics, which remains the hardest mountain to climb.
It has become even harder now to reach that Olympic threshold because unlike in earlier times, boxers are now forced to attend qualifying tournaments to make the grade. Back in the day you booked your ticket based on performance at domestic and regional level and it was at the discretion of the association to put you on the team.
The big difference is that boxing is a discipline that merits special treatment in terms of funding. Its practitioners earned it and should stop being seen as if they are in the line begging for a free lunch. Surely, as a small country, we have to reach the stage where a quota system will have to be put in place and those most deserving of extra funding get it based on meritocracy.
Boxers for sure are tired of being used as punching bags and whipping boys because while they deliver, others who fall short reap sweets but they get the bitter end of the stick.
Must mingle
Our policymakers must not only set policy, they must come out and mingle with the athletes, get their feedback because they are the ones who will be affected by any part of a policy that needs to be amended to create more favourable conditions for them.
When you see the class exhibited by Jabali Breedy, for instance, in winning his gold medal against his taller opponent, you would have an idea of what I’m talking about. The lad has unbelievable speed, quick hands, knows how to slip punches, defend himself and he caps it with tremendous showmanship.
Kimberly Gittens is definitely among the top three female boxers in the Caribbean, yet the question can be asked whether she gets all the support she needs in her quest to be established among the world’s best.
She first showed her potential at the women’s world championship staged here in 2010, yet we can count on one hand the amount of international exposure she has had since then.
The most deserving must be rewarded for their performance but it can’t be done if the boxing association doesn’t have the money to do it. I agree they must do their part to help raise funds but the state must also be more consistent in helping them to turn the boxers’ dreams into reality.
• Andi Thornhill is a veteran sports journalist. Email [email protected]
