The Tribune

DAY two of His Majesty King Charles III's visit to the Bahamas took him to the Bahamas Boxing Academy on Wednesday, where he met young boxers, coaches and parents and witnessed the development of a facility that aims to use the sport to build discipline and opportunities for young Bahamians.

The King spent approximately 30 minutes at the newly renovated academy, located at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre on Celery Drive, where he engaged with students from Nassau and the Family Islands.

During the tour, the King also watched young boxers demonstrate their skills in the ring, including Mario Goddard and Shantao Fernando, who spoke about the opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of His Majesty.

Goddard, 19, who has been boxing for about six years, said the exhibition gave him an opportunity to demonstrate the talent available in The Bahamas.

“It felt good, just to show the skill in The Bahamas,” he said.

Goddard credited the academy’s coaches with helping him improve as a boxer, describing their support as a positive influence throughout his development.

“All the times it affected me was positive,” he said. “I’ve been coming up for some time now, and the coaches just show me nothing but love, so I just want to give them props. I really appreciate them.”

Fernando, 18, who began boxing at 14, said the sport had helped him develop discipline, a quality he believes will be important as he pursues his ambitions in the ring.

He said his time in the gym had helped him become more disciplined and expressed gratitude to the coaches, trustees and other supporters who have contributed to his development.

Fernando has set his sights on becoming the first Bahamian undisputed world champion, a goal he hopes to pursue through continued development at the academy.

Fernando also described the King as calm and respectful following their encounter during the visit, expressing optimism about the academy’s future.

The academy’s impact was also reflected in the experiences of its young boxers, several of whom spoke about the lessons they have gained through their participation.

Samantha Arne, 16, a student at C I Gibson Senior High School, said meeting the King was a positive experience.

“He’s a great person. He smiles a lot,” she said.

Arne said boxing had also helped her learn how to respect others and defend herself, while giving her an activity she enjoys.

Kayden Higgs, 13, a student at A F Adderley Junior High School, said his experience at the academy had extended beyond learning how to box.

“It has assisted me with manners, respect, discipline, staying educated, and they always remind us that we need to stay focused in school,” Higgs said.

Higgs said he had been boxing for six years and described meeting the King as an exciting experience, despite the crowds surrounding the visit.

“It was awesome,” he said. “He was a nice, kind gentleman. I respect him with all my heart.”