The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net    

WELLINGTON Miller was more pleased with the launch of the newly formed Bahamas World Boxing Federation.

The federation took its inaugural event to Grand Bahama over the weekend where they participated in a conclave with the Bahamas Boxing Commission, headed by Fred Sturrup, on Thursday night at the Castaways Resorts and Suites.

Also in attendance were Washington-based boxing specialist Floyd Seymour, the international advisor to the federation, Jermaine Gibson, president of the All Out Boxing Club and a vice president of the federation and Vernon Grant, Castaways’ general manager.

On Friday night, the federation, in conjunction with All Out Boxing Club in Grand Bahama, staged 16 matches for boys and girls at the YMCA Gymnasium. 

And on Saturday at the Ascension Anglican Church, a banquet was held where long-time members of the boxing community in Grand Bahama were honoured for their contribution to the sport in the All Out Boxing Hall of Fame.

Those honoured were William Clyde, Terry Goldsmith, Emmanuel ‘Waldo Pepper’ Jones, Richard Dean and Harold ‘the Tiger’ Seymour. The late Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller was recognised posthumously.

“We got off very well,” Miller said. “We had a very good conclave with Fred Sturrup, who provided us with ways in which we can further develop the sport.”On Friday night at the YMCA Gymnasium, we had a very good crowd, including parents and grandparents, watching the young boxers on the island compete. It was a whole show of solidarity.”

Miller commended Gibson, whose All Out Boxing Club has attracted a number of boxers from the various schools to compete in the sport.

He noted that some of the principals from the schools were also in attendance.Miller said they were quite pleased with the successful launch of the program.

“We did three things in one weekend with the boxing conclave, the boxing matches and the banquet,” Miller said. “That was a huge success and Grand Bahama is on the road. So it’s a great feeling to get started.”

Based on what they have seen in Grand Bahama, Miller said the federation is confident that the Bahamas will be able to field a very solid team to participate in the Junior Pan American Games that will be staged in August.

He noted that they will be looking at including boxers from New Providence as well as in the Family Islands for the mix up of Team Bahamas.

Here’s a look at the results from the All Out Boxing Club - Official Bout Results

Roscoe Bowd, majority decision over Shamano Cooper  (124 lbs, Age 14).

Jahmal Smallz Jr, unanimous decision over Marvin Reckley. (151 lbs, Age 13).

Michael Lightburn, split decision over Kanye Wells (151 lbs, Age 16).

Marquis Neilly walkover against Peter Grey.

Emile Bollard, unanimous decision over Joshua Bowe (105 lbs, Age 12).

Marquis Neilly (Grand Bahama), third round TKO over Miguel Aladdin Ellis (Bimini) (165 lbs, Open Men’s).

Nas Dean, split decision over Navaro Cooper (175 lbs).

Ronny Mathis, split decision over Dexter Moxey (119 lbs, Age 14).

Abigail Smith in TKO over Asia Ferguson in a ladies exhibition. 

Dante Anderson, majority decision over Cordero Henfield (132 lbs, Age 14-15).

Milano Knowles, split decision over Medwell Curry (184 lbs, Open Men’s).

Emile Bollard, four eight-0counts in second round over Isaiah Francois for the win (127 lbs, Age 12-13).

Keano Cox, winner by walkover against Tishla Francois.

Keano Cox, majority decision over Oswald Greene (135 lbs).

Jiraiya Francois, unanimous decision over Benito Rolle (147-148 lbs, Age 18-19).