The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

VETERAN light middleweight boxer Carl Hield was unable to get Team Bahamas in the win column at the International Boxing Association’s (AIBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships.

Hield lost on points, 5:0, to American Obed Bartee yesterday on day three of competition at the Štark Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.

Bartee, a third place finisher at the 2020 USA Boxing Elite National Championships, will advance in the 71kg division to face Francesco Faraoni of Italy on October 29.

Three of the five judges scored the fight 30:24, while the others scored it 25:30 and 26:30 respectively, all in favour of Bartee.

Rashield Williams was the first Bahamian boxer in the ring but also suffered an early exit in the opening round on Monday.

Fighting in the welterweight division (67kg), Williams lost on points 5:0 to Lasha Guruli of Georgia.

Three of the five judges scored it 30:27, while the others went 30:28 and 30:26, all in favour of Guruli.

“After a great match with a significantly taller and more difficult opponent, I feel proud of myself.

“It is an amazing feeling to represent your country at the World Championships, and I will continue to work hard and push the limits,” Williams said.

“For me, boxing is everything, boxing is my life and I am very passionate about it. Before every bout, when I am about to enter the ring, I just pray to the Lord.”

Both fighters missed out on the opportunity to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, but trained together in Tampa in preparation for the trip to Serbia. The event features nearly 400 of the world’s best amateur boxers and professionals with less than 15 bouts on their résumé, competing in 13 divisions.