The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE revival of the sport of boxing in Grand Bahama is set to take place July 11-12 with the Commonwealth Boxing Salute, featuring 10 young amateur boxers in five bouts.

The event is being hosted by the Bahamas Boxing Commission and the Grand Bahama Port Authority at the St George's High School Gymnasium in Freeport.

Four Bahamian boxing legends will also be honoured, and a two-day boxing seminar will be held to certify officials who will be able to officiate in boxing anywhere in the world.

Boxing commissioner Fred Sturrup said that they will honour Bahamian boxers who became champions of the entire Commonwealth of nations, including Gomeo Brennan who won the first international boxing title for the Bahamas in 1963, Ray Minus Jr, Steve Larrimore and Jermaine Mackey.

He noted that the two-day seminar for officials is important because while there are Bahamian officials officiating in the sport of soccer and track and field, there is none in the sport of boxing.

"The seminar is to get officials certified in boxing so they can go anywhere and officiate," he said.

On the evening of July 12, Mr Sturrup said that there would be a black-tie dinner and boxing showcase.

"The boxing will focus on youth development, and we will have five bouts with 10 amateurs from GB. We want to show the world what GB can do," said the boxing commissioner.

He noted that the Commonwealth Boxing Salute would be a connection of the Commonwealth Sports in the Bahamas again.

"A lot of people would not know that the Commonwealth Sports happens to actually be the very foundation of sports development in The Bahamas. Many years ago during the height of the colonial days, there was the civil service that came over from London who introduced us to cricket, soccer, water polo, and laid the foundation for us to know how to organise sports properly," he recalled.

"So this CBS is the appropriate way that we in GB feel we can connect Commonwealth Sports to what is going on now. And those of us who are sports leaders in GB - such as Gladstone 'Moon' McPhee, Terry Goldsmith, Ambrose Gouthro - we feel very much in tune with the potential for sports growth in Grand Bahama."

Mr Stirrup commended the Grand Bahama Port Authority for supporting the commonwealth boxing salute. He also thanked Mr Keith Barr, principal of St Georges High, for allowing the use of their facilities for the event.

Sarah St George, vice chairman of the GBPA, said they welcome the opportunity to promote sports and youth development, and are pleased to be co-hosting the boxing event and seminar in Freeport.

"The aim is to pay tribute to the traditional sport of boxing and its historical ties with Commonwealth countries. The Bahamas has a rich history in boxing," she said.

"There have been Bahamian champions such as Gomeo Brennan, Ray Minus Jr, Steve Larrimore, and Jermaine Mackey, and we heard of Sherman 'The Tank' Williams, though not a part of the Commonwealth Boxing. And now, GBPA is proud to stand with the Boxing authorities to salute these Bahamian boxing legends," she said.

Ms. St George indicated that Commonwealth Sports had been a bedrock for developing and showcasing Bahamian sports heroes and heroine.

She noted that the GBPA has always been supportive of the various sports genres. "Over the years we have sponsored sports from track and field such as the Olympics indoor and outdoor championships, the World Relays, the Commonwealth Games, the Marathon a few weeks ago, the Conchman Triathlon, basketball, baseball, volleyball, football, rugby, tennis, swimming, sailing, and gymnastics. And today I am delighted to announce this new sporting initiative in GB, in partnership with the GB Sports Promotion Association and the Bahamas Boxing Commission," she said.

MP for Central Grand Bahama Iram Lewis, president of the Grand Bahama Amateur Athletic Association (GBAAA), commended the GBPA for supporting sports and Bahamian athletes.

He said that the country made its mark internationally through the sport of boxing.

Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Michael Pintard said boxing is part of the Bahamas' history and noted that discussions are going on about hosting more international boxing events in the country.

"We believe we are in the midst of a revival in boxing in the country. When I had the opportunity to look at the Boxing Commission and give consideration to the person who might help transform boxing in the country, it was a no-brainer to recommend Fred Stirrup as boxing commissioner to lead this charge," he said.

Mr Pintard stated that Mr Stirrup has worked with a number of persons and they expect that some international boxing promoters will come to the Bahamas with major events.

"Discussions have already commenced with Baha Mar and others providers of facilities to begin the process of putting us on the map as an international destination for boxing events," he said.

Mr Pintard indicated that the government expects to lead the charge in creating a substantial boxing facility in Grand Bahama and New Providence.

He thanked Ms St George and the Port Authority family for committing to work with the government in building a "wide range of facilities" in GB, including partnering with government on the construction of a 50-meter swimming pool.

"That would position us to hold international competitions, and have a place for training for both collegiate and high school athletes around the world, and professional athletes," he said.