The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

CARL Hield, enjoying the longest tenure as an amateur boxer in the country, has his sights set on the one event that is missing from his résumé - the Olympic Games.

The 33-year-old Hield, who has been competing since he was eight years old, this weekend begins this year’s trek towards the postponed 2020 Olympics, now scheduled for July 23 to August 8 in Tokyo, Japan.

He made his 2021 debut at the Classic Beat Down in Winter Haven, Florida, on Saturday where he emerged with an unanimous decision over Jose Hechavaria in the 69 kiloclass.

“The performance was good. This was my first fight since the coronavirus pandemic lay-off, so it was a good fight,” he said.

“I’m trying to get on the next card next week so I can continue my preparation for the Olympics.”

Currently in Tampa, Florida, where he’s training at the Signature Punch Boxing Gym under the supervision of Charles Jefferson Jr, Hield said everything is going good, although he has been keeping a low profile over the past few months.

“I wanted to get away from the social media and just focus on my training,” Hield said.

“A lot of fights are happening now, so I want to get in some of these shows before the Olympic qualifier.

“Everything has been going good. My strength and conditioning coach (Jefferson Jr) has been preparing me well. I’m getting some good sparring. I just want to go out there and make history.”

Having represented the Bahamas in just about every international competition in the sport, Hield said his ultimate goal is to become the first Bahamian to win an Olympic medal in boxing and a World Championship medal next year.

“I decided to stick around because my dream is to make the Olympics and win a medal for my country,” Hield said.

“At this point, I’m the only boxer really keeping the flag up high in the amateur ranks.”

Hield’s chance at qualifying for the Olympics will come May 6-13 when the Olympic qualifier takes place in Argentina. It’s not known who else will be competing for the Bahamas, but Hield said his aim is to be ready to make the cut.